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You may have heard the news: sustainability matters this peak season. If not, a quick recap: 83% of shoppers intend to seek out eco-friendly brands and products this holiday season1. Furthermore, 27% are prepared to pay more for items with better sustainability credentials2.
If you run an e-commerce business, you’d be wise to add some planet-friendly products to your inventory – it’s never too late to go green! Let’s look at exactly which items are forecast to be hot sellers in the run up to Christmas.
“It could be said that if you don’t go green, you’ll go red – so seize the chance to build a sustainable business.” - The Future of Commerce, Shopify 20223
This year, expect the decorations to be as green as the tree. Take inspiration from iconic British brand Selfridges – the retailer’s Project Earth edit includes snow baubles made from recycled materials, and wreaths made from pre-loved decorations sourced from charity shops.
Online craft marketplace Etsy tips nature-themed items to be in demand this holiday season as shoppers bring the great outdoors inside with rustic touches. Think dried flowers, botanical details and branches.
Also on Etsy, there has been a 24% YoY increase of searches containing “kit DIY”, as crafty shoppers look to gift their loved ones something with meaning. Candle-making and wood-carving kits are some examples.
Selling beauty products? The top-rated sustainable beauty items on Amazon have the keywords “vegan”, “organic” and “natural” in their listings – a top tip if you want to be noticed by the eco-tribe, too.
The fast-moving fashion industry is often seen as one of the sustainability bad guys. According to Shopify6, this peak season, eco-friendly consumers will instead be leaning towards innovative alternatives, such as fashion brand Dick Moby’s sunglasses made from recycled plastic, and Rice Love’s accessories made from reclaimed rice bags.
Our four-legged friends need spoiling too! Pet owners are increasingly influenced by sustainability factors when shopping: in the US, “ethical” pet product sales have increased 48% over the last two years7. Pampered pooches can expect to unwrap pet beds made from recycled plastic bottles and biodegradable collars this Christmas.
Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, over half (58%) of UK consumers said they have reduced their spending on non-essential items8 – a trend that will be replicated across the world. Sustainable essentials such as shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes and palm-oil free soap will make nice stocking fillers.
It may seem a contradiction, but research shows some consumers spend more money on “small luxuries” during economic downturns9, in a bid to cheer themselves up. Eco-minded shoppers can calm their worries with soy wax candles and perfume made from natural oils.
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your product range this peak season. One final tip – don’t forget to make your packaging sustainable, too! Here are some tips to get you started.
1 - Salesforce, July 2022
2 - Christmas Spend Trends 2022, eBay
3 - The Future of Commerce, Shopify, 2022
4 - Selfridges
5 - Etsy Seller Handbook, July 2022
6 - Shopify, July 2022
7 - Nielsen IQ, May 2022
8 - IT Supply Chain, September 2022
9 - The Guardian, October 2022
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