The end of 2020 came with a sigh of relief from many people who found the year to be extremely stressful. Yet, many things will remain the same in 2021. COVID-19 lockdowns, mask mandates, and other government interventions that negatively affect people’s mental health—and livelihoods, are likely to continue at least through flu season. While it is important to consider the physical health of ourselves and our neighbors, this war on the pandemic has created seismic shifts in the way that people shop. Most small businesses and retail shops are considered “non-essential” and many have run out of cash and have had no choice but to shut down, while department stores and other large corporate entities are able to remain open. Small business owners, and the people who lost their jobs when those businesses went under therefore have two choices. They can reinvent themselves by capitalizing on the valuable information found at online tutorial websites. Or, they can start a website and sell products online. With that in mind, it’s important to know the top ecommerce trends in 2021. Armed with this knowledge, you can make smart decisions about the kinds of businesses that are most likely to succeed.
Home Spa and Self Care Products
We’ve all see the aftermath of at-home COVID haircuts. People are reluctant to take the risk of spending an hour in a salon, out of fear that they will contract the deadly virus. It’s true that people with pre-existing conditions, and older people are at risk of serious health issues and death. It’s also true that there are circumstances where people have died from in home haircuts. This fear has led to a surge in purchasing products for at home spa treatments and other self care products. People aren’t going to the barber, or the nail salon. Instead, they’re buying peel-off face masks, nail polish and mani pedi sets, and hair stylist kits complete with clippers, sheers, and blow dryers.
At Home Workout Gear and Equipment
Although COVID does not appear to be transmitted through sweat, gyms have been shut down by many states and localities. Even where they’re open, people are still afraid of going to the gym. Fitness centers have therefore begun to promote virtual workout programs online, and other workarounds to keep their customers engaged. Online retailers are also pushing exercise bikes, fitness bands, yoga mats, and other at home workout gear and equipment. Plus, Lululemon leggings and other fitness apparel and athleisure is still flying off the shelves.
Anxiety Relief, CBD, and Health Supplements
Cannabidiol is not considered a supplement, sellers may not advertise it as an anti-anxiety treatment, and it is not approved by the FDA. Yet, there are countless CBD stores online that are successful because people believe in the product. Consumers are hungry for self-care treatments and natural ways to avoid trips to the doctor and heavy prescription medications. They’re also concerned about their health amid a global pandemic. Consequently, they’re buying up vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements that may support the immune system like Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc. They’re also buying multivitamins for men and women, and nootropics like Onnit Alpha Brain.
How to Survive 2021 as an Online Retailer
These are just some of the products that will do well in 2021. There are plenty of other products and services that will surge in ecommerce sales this year, too. The key is in understanding the underlying factors of the trend that’s right in front of us. Understand that shopping behavior is changing, possibly permanently, as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Apply that to your business analytics, and make intelligent decisions, and you might just survive in 2021 as an online retailer. If you’re not already online, it might be time to get started with a WordPress hosting plan.