Best Retail Products to Sell - Profitable Items for Your Online Store in 2023-2024

Hello, retail warriors! Ever wondered what it takes to choose profitable products to sell online? Well, you're in the right place! We're here to dive into the 2023 retail world, uncover hot market trends, and get into your potential customers' heads to understand their preferences. We've got a fab list of items flying off the shelves this year, from LED submersible lights to shapewear, which will jazz up your own online store.

We'll also guide you through the essentials: selecting the right products, mastering inventory management, and executing killer marketing strategies. So, whether you're a retail pro or a newbie, let's get ready to turn your online business into a hot online shopping destination! Let's get started!

Current retail market trends in 2023

The online trend:

Online shopping has skyrocketed and is set to become even more popular! In 2021 alone, global online retail sales hit almost five trillion U.S. dollars. But experts predict that this figure will soar past seven trillion U.S. dollars by 2025. Talk about an ecommerce store extravaganza! Latin America is on fire, too, with Brazil and Argentina leading the charge as the fastest-growing online retail markets. 

What can we learn from this? Well, now is definitely the time to set up your online shop and master how to keep customers coming back for more in-store and online! 

But when it comes to what you sell online, it's all about riding the waves of current market trends. So, what's the buzz for 2023? Here are top finds: 

Going sustainable.

First up, sustainability is stealing the spotlight. Customers are showing a big preference for products made with recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging. Due to an increase in consumer knowledge about the availability of eco-friendly products, it's all about leaving a lighter environmental footprint while still satisfying those retail cravings. Be sure to share exactly how you’re doing your bit to be more sustainable on your website and in your business - it’s going a long way at gaining customer interest.

Tech stays on top!

But hold up, tech lovers! Tech gadgets are still the heartthrobs of the market. Smartwatches that practically do your laundry and portable projectors that turn your living room into a cinematic wonderland are all the rage. Tech enthusiasts can't get enough of the growing number of nifty gadgets - whether they’re practical or just a bit of fun! 

Home comforts.

Now, let's cosy up to the rise of home comforts. With more folks choosing to snuggle in their cosy nests and make their homes comfortable places to live, products that bring warmth and comfort are in high demand. Picture scented candles flickering with ambiance, beanies keeping heads toasty, and plush back cushions for that extra dose of snuggles. If you can gather products that help invite a relaxed, cosy vibe, you’re likely to be onto a winner.

Understanding consumer preferences and behaviour

But it's not just about trends and finding a profitable niche. To succeed in the online business game, we must dig deeper and understand consumer preferences and behaviour.

Think about it. Behind every online purchase on your ecommerce store, there's a customer making a choice. What makes them choose one product over another? What needs and desires are they trying to fulfil? Maybe they're after the newest tech gadget, or perhaps they're looking for sustainable options to align with their eco-conscious lifestyle.

Monitoring your target audience and adapting your product offering to their changing needs is key. Remember, a satisfied customer is more likely to become a loyal customer. 

Finding trending products to sell online

We’re about to share with you some of the hottest products we’ve found to be trending in 2023 (and likely to keep trending in 2024). But you're probably thinking, "This sounds great, but how do I find trending products online in my niche, or in the future?” Afterall, trends change rapidly! Well, we’d never keep the secrets from you - so here’s the answer: it’s in the data.

Use trend tools…

Using tools like Google Trends data, you can uncover a goldmine of information. Google Trends data can reveal what your target market is searching for, giving you insight into what's currently hot (and what's not!). Plus, it can give you an edge over your competitors by helping you spot product trends before they become mainstream.

…Add market research…

Google Trends is a great starting point for researching what’s hot. But remember to combine this with research you can undertake on any of the top online marketplaces. Think eBay, Etsy, Amazon, AliExpress and Walmart. Most stores have a ‘best sellers’ or ‘most popular’ category to make it easy for customers to find, which you can then refine by your niche. So use it to your advantage! Track the best sellers on these competitor websites. Then, when you’ve got a few ideas - don’t forget to also look at what the related product suggestions and bundles product offers are on these sites (Amazon is a great resource for this). 

…And jump on social media!

Lastly, get on social media! Look at social media groups, influencers in your niche (look at who else your followers follow), and your competitors’ ads. (Facebook Ads Library allows you to see all ads currently running for a business across Facebook and Instagram.) See what your competitors are promoting heavily, and see if this sparks a few similar product ideas. It’s an easy way of jumping on trends.

So there you have it! Armed with an understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour, you're ready to pick your winning products for your ecommerce store and start selling products online. Up next, we'll delve into a list of popular retail products that are taking 2023 by storm. 

Popular retail products in 2023

The retail space in 2023 is a kaleidoscope of exciting products - with several products which don’t seem to be falling off the trends list any time soon! From the latest tech gadgets to comfort essentials, let's take a tour of the most sought-after items you should consider stocking in your online store.

Technology

1. LED submersible light 2023 

2023 is all about mood lighting, and LED sSubmersible lLights are leading the charge. Perfect for pool parties, fish tanks, or bathtubs, they transform ordinary spaces into magical light displays. According to Google Trends, the popularity of LED submersible lights has seen its ups and downs in the past five years. Yet, forecasts are hinting at a significant uptick in the near future. This is the perfect moment to seize the opportunity and ride this rising wave [1].

2. Portable projectors

In this era of home theatres and gaming, portable projectors are a hot ticket to sell online. Compact yet powerful, they provide cinema-quality viewing experiences right at home. An interesting observation from Google Trends is that portable projectors see numerous high peaks throughout the year [2]. This implies regular periods of high demand, suggesting that stocking these nifty devices could result in steady sales, no matter the season.

3. Smartwatch

Smart wWatches are the talk of the tech town, and when selling products online, you should definitely consider adding them to your inventory. With features like health tracking, GPS, and message app notifications, they are the ultimate blend of convenience and functionality, capturing the attention of tech-savvy customers. Checking out Smart wWatches on Google Trends, you'll see that their popularity chart remains consistently robust throughout the year [3]. It seems these high-tech timepieces hold a steady allure for customers, offering you the opportunity for continuous sales across all seasons.

4. Bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth speakers continue to captivate music lovers with their convenience and sound quality. They are a must-have item for parties, picnics, or everyday use, making them a popular pick to sell online. When you pull up Bluetooth speakers on Google Trends, you'll notice an impressive pattern - the demand remains high and steady all year round [4]. This suggests that these portable sound systems are a perennial favourite among customers, promising consistent sales regardless of the season.

5. Car phone holders

Last but not least, car phone holders are driving up online sales. Providing a secure and convenient place to mount smartphones, they're a must-have for today's drivers. When analysing the Google Trends data for car phone holders, it becomes apparent that their popularity experiences both spikes and dips throughout the year [5]. This fluctuating demand suggests that the interest in car phone holders varies, making it essential to monitor and capitalise on the peaks to maximise sales opportunities. Being strategic about timing and promotions can help you navigate the fluctuations and drive success in this market.

Home goods

7. Scented candles

With more people prioritising self-care and home comfort, the demand for scented candles has skyrocketed, and they are a great product to sell online. From soothing lavender to invigorating citrus, these fragrant mood-setters are flying off the shelves - as are sculpture-scented candles or candles with different shapes. As previously mentioned, eco-friendly candles, made from organic and natural materials like beeswax and soy wax, remain very popular too. 

A glance at Google Trends reveals a fascinating pattern for scented candles - they consistently peak around Christmas time [7]. It seems the holiday season ignites a desire for these fragrant delights. So, stocking up on them towards the year-end could certainly light up your sales!

8. Bookends

Bookends aren't just functional - they've become a chic accessory to any home or office space. From minimalist designs to thematic shapes, bookends are appealing to book lovers and interior design enthusiasts alike. When observing the Google Trends data for bookends, you'll see a pleasing consistency [8]. Their popularity remains steady throughout the year, suggesting that these stylish and functional items charm book lovers and home decorators alike, no matter the season.

9. Vegetable chopper

Simplifying kitchen prep work, vegetable choppers and slicers are a hit. They save time and effort, making them a favourite among home cooks and meal-prep fans. An intriguing trend from Google Trends shows that vegetable choppers have notable peaks during summer and in January [9]. This might be due to the seasonal abundance of fresh produce in summer and the influx of healthy New Year's resolutions in January. So, timing your sales around these periods could chop your way to success!

10. Neck massager

With the rise in work-from-home setups, neck massagers offer a slice of relaxation. They provide much-needed relief from stress and muscle tension, making them a popular self-care item to sell online in your online store. Looking at Google Trends, it's clear that neck massagers enjoyed a significant surge in popularity in December [10]. Perhaps they're a popular choice for Christmas gifts, offering relaxation and relief during the festive but often stressful holiday season. It's worth considering this peak period when planning your retail pricing strategies.

11. Back cushion

Comfort is key in 2023, and back cushions deliver just that. Ideal for home, office, or travel, these ergonomic lifesavers are being snapped up by customers seeking comfort and relief. An examination of Google Trends reveals that back cushions maintain a solid presence all year round [11]. This underscores their universal appeal as a comfort essential, suggesting that they could consistently be a strong performer for your online store throughout the year.

12. Portable blender

Health-conscious consumers are all about portable blenders. These handy gadgets make whipping up smoothies, or protein shakes a breeze, fueling the trend for healthy, on-the-go lifestyles. When you examine Google Trends, it's interesting to see that portable blenders experience a surge in popularity during winter [12]. Perhaps they're a popular Christmas gift, or maybe they're being used to blend up cosy, hot soups during the chillier months. Regardless, targeting this winter trend could serve up some satisfying sales!

13. Nail polish

The beauty industry is evergreen, and nail polish is stealing the limelight. From classic shades to bold hues and eco-friendly formulas, they're adding a splash of colour to online retail. A scan of Google Trends shows that nail polish enjoys steady popularity throughout the year, with a particular boost during the summer months [13]. Perhaps it's the season of sandals and flip-flops, or maybe the bright summer vibes inspire more vibrant manicures. Either way, this trend suggests an opportunity to polish up your sales, especially as summer approaches.

14. Matcha tea

Health and wellness enthusiasts can't get enough of mMatcha tTea. Celebrated for its health benefits and unique flavour, it's a must-have for any online food and drinks retailer. An analysis of Google Trends reveals a fascinating pattern for mMatcha tTea. This year, there was a significant spike around February to March, and its popularity has been riding high ever since [14]. This sustained interest in matcha tea offers an exciting opportunity for sustained sales in your online business.

15. Doormats

Doormats have moved beyond functionality to become a home decor statement. From cheeky sayings to attractive designs, they're a great way to welcome visitors. Google Trends indicates an interesting trend for doormats - they experience a notable spike in popularity around the autumn and winter seasons [15] as people prepare their homes for the colder months and embrace seasonal decor, the demand for doormats increases. Capitalising on this trend during autumn and winter can help you welcome a surge of customers to online stores.

Clothes and accessories

16. Beanies

Beanies are more than just a winter staple - they're a fashion statement. With various designs, materials, and colours, beanies have become an extremely popular product to sell in your online store. A peek at Google Trends presents a clear trajectory for beanies. As a staple for the colder months, their popularity tends to dip during the summer [16]. However, gearing up to offer them ahead of the winter season can position you perfectly to capture early demand.

17. Temporary tattoos

Temporary tattoos are back with a bang! Offering a way for customers to express their creativity and individuality without permanence, they are a fun and popular item to sell online in 2023, especially for the festivals in the summer season. Taking a look at Google Trends, we see a significant spike in temporary tattoos around Halloween - no surprises there! [17]. It seems these playful adornments are a big hit for the spooky season, offering you an excellent sales opportunity as October approaches.

18. Ice skates

Sporting goods stores - have you got your full range of winter-sports items in stock yet? In the world of sports and outdoor activities, ice skates are having a moment. They promise fun and fitness, attracting customers who love adventures and new experiences. A look at Google Trends shows an unmistakable pattern for ice skates - when selling products online, they skyrocket in the winter season but experience a considerable dip for the rest of the year [18]. This is hardly surprising, given the seasonal nature of ice skating. Keep this in mind, and time your inventory accordingly to make the most of the winter demand.

19. Shapewear

In fashion, shapewear is all the rage - and it’s likely to continue. Offering the promise of a smoother, more streamlined silhouette, they're a must-stock for apparel, fashion and lingerie retailers. Looking at Google Trends, shapewear has always had a solid footing. However, it truly skyrocketed when the queen of branding, Kim Kardashian, entered the scene with her line, SKIMS. Since then, it's been on a constant upswing, indicating a high and sustained demand for these figure-enhancing garments in the online market [19].

20. Strapless, backless bra

Speaking of fashion, the strapless, backless bra is another hot product. These bras offer versatility and comfort, making them popular among fashion-conscious consumers. Examining the data from Google Trends, it's clear that the strapless backless bra becomes a hot item during the summer months [20]. Perhaps due to the season's trend for off-the-shoulder and backless outfits, this ingenious undergarment sees a significant surge in demand, offering a summer sales boost for online stores.

Factors to consider when selecting products to sell online

Alright, online selling pros, let's talk shop! When it comes to selecting products to sell online, there are several key factors you need to consider. It's not just about picking what looks cool or trendy (although that helps!). You want products that will fly off the virtual shelves and bring in profits. So, grab your thinking cap, and let's dive into the important considerations!

Profit margin and pricing strategy

First things first, you need to think about the bottom line - your profit margin. Look for products that offer a healthy margin, allowing you to cover your expenses and still make a tidy profit. Also, consider your pricing strategy. Are you aiming for affordable and budget-friendly items or targeting the premium market? How much are shipping costs? Find that sweet spot where your prices are competitive yet profitable. These are the products to sell online.

Seasonality and trends

Next up, keep an eye on seasonality and retail industry trends. Some products have shining moments during specific seasons, like summer swimwear or winter coats. Stay ahead of the curve by offering the right products at the right time. And remember, trends come and go, so be prepared to adapt and diversify your product lineup accordingly when selling products online. While following trends can help find winning products, make sure you’re making wise decisions that don’t leave you behind the curve with a lot of unsold stock that’s no longer hot!

Target audience and demographics

Who are your potential customers? Understanding your target audience is crucial. Consider their demographics, interests, and buying behaviours. Are you catering to millennials, fitness enthusiasts, or pet owners? The more you know about your target audience, the better you can curate your product selection to meet their specific needs and desires. And of course - look for those cross-sell products that your demographic may also be interested in.

Competitive analysis and differentiation

In the vast world of online retail, you're not alone. Take the time to scope out your competition. What are they selling, and how are they positioning themselves? Find ways to differentiate yourself through unique product offerings, exceptional customer service, or creative branding. Stand out from the crowd and give your customers a reason to choose you over the competition.

Product quality and customer reviews

Quality matters. Make sure you source products that meet high-quality standards when you sell online. Check customer reviews and ratings to gauge customer satisfaction and identify any potential issues. Positive reviews can be a powerful selling point, while negative reviews can steer you away from unreliable products. Prioritise customer satisfaction and build a reputation for offering top-notch products.

Consider these factors when selecting your products to sell online, and remember, it's a dynamic process. Continuously monitor market trends, stay connected with your customers, and adapt as needed. The online retail world is ever-evolving, so buckle up and get ready to choose your winning products with confidence!

How can a retail POS help?

When it comes to running a successful online retail business, having the right tools in your arsenal is crucial. And one tool that can truly make a difference is a reliable retail point of sale (POS) system. A robust retail POS system can streamline your operations, enhance customer experience, and boost your sales - both online and in store. Let's take a closer look at how a retail POS can work wonders for your online store.

Seamless Shopify integration

One of the key benefits of a modern retail POS system is its ability to integrate seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify. With the Shopify integration, you can effortlessly synchronise your inventory, sales data, and customer information between your online store and your physical store (if you have one). This seamless integration ensures that you have accurate and up-to-date information across all channels, minimising the chances of overselling or disappointing your customers. Plus, it simplifies the management of your online store, allowing you to focus on driving sales and delivering a stellar customer experience.

Efficient order and inventory management

A disorganised inventory is a headache waiting to happen - not knowing how much stock is left or what orders are left to be fulfilled is a nightmare! A retail POS system empowers you to efficiently manage your orders and inventory. With real-time inventory tracking, you'll always know the availability of your products, ensuring you never oversell or run out of stock. The system can also generate automatic purchase orders, helping you restock your inventory in a timely manner. This inventory control and management level is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and maximising sales opportunities.

Streamlined checkout experience

Creating a smooth and hassle-free checkout experience is key to boost online sales. A retail POS system offers features like quick and secure payment processing, multiple payment options, and customizable checkout pages. By providing your customers with a seamless checkout process, you enhance their overall shopping experience, increase conversion rates, and encourage repeat purchases.

Data analytics and reporting

Data is key to business growth. To make informed business decisions and identify growth opportunities, you need access to accurate data and comprehensive reports. A retail POS system can provide valuable insights into your sales performance, customer behaviour, and product trends. With this information at your fingertips, you can analyse key metrics, track your progress, and identify areas for improvement. These data-driven insights enable you to optimise your marketing strategies, refine your product offerings, and drive profitability. What’s even more impressive is that some POS systems (like ours at Epos Now) offer you real-time insights into your data - so you can instantly know key data on your profits, orders, staff, and more.

Create an online store

Some advanced retail POS systems even offer built-in tools to help you create an online store. These integrated solutions allow you to design a professional and user-friendly website, manage product listings, and customise the layout and appearance of your online store. With the ability to seamlessly sync your inventory and sales data, you can provide a consistent and unified shopping experience across all channels.

TIP: Expand your reach and build an online presence with the simple, intuitive, hassle-free Epos Now website builder.

Let's rock the online retail world!

Congratulations! We've journeyed through the exciting realms of retail trends, product selection, and the power of a retail POS system. It's time to wrap things up and leave you with some final thoughts that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

In this dynamic world of online retail, staying ahead of the game is key. Embrace the trends, stand out from the crowd, and create a shopping experience that captures hearts and wallets. Craft your own unique brand identity and be the trendsetter that customers can't resist.

And speaking of irresistible, let's not forget the power of a retail POS system. With seamless Shopify integration, efficient operations, streamlined checkout, and data-driven insights, it becomes your trusty sidekick in the quest for online retail domination.

So, my fellow online retail mavens, take these insights, embrace the trends, and rock the e-commerce world with your exceptional customer experiences. Create an online store that captivates, surprises, and delights at every turn. Stay agile, adapt to changing demands, and always keep your finger on the pulse of the retail universe.

Remember, the online retail realm is vast, but you've got the skills, the passion, and the drive to conquer it. Embrace the journey, learn from every step, and enjoy the thrill of building your online empire. It's time to make waves, break boundaries, and leave your mark on the ever-evolving landscape of online retail.

Now, go forth, fellow retail champions, and make the online world your playground. May your sales soar, your customers cheer, and your entrepreneurial spirit shine bright. The future of online retail is in your hands. Unleash your retail prowess and rock the virtual shopping carts like never before!Cheers to your success, and happy selling!

Found this article useful and want to know more about how Epos Now can help your business with our affordable, flexible and fuss-free retail POS systems? Contact our sales team below now!