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Know what sells & when: top seasonal trends for 2021

Shopping trends are not just about fashion, they are also influenced by the time of year, the weather, and current events. As the world recuperates from 2020 and its many turmoils, small businesses across the country are trying to figure out what this year will bring in terms of the most in-demand goods and services.

If you’re also on the fence about your 2021 inventory, this seasonal guide will walk you through the shopping and advertising trends expected for the next 12 months.

Winter

The dawn of a budding year is a time for new beginnings. Consumers are collectively looking to bring in the new and cast out the old, including both bad habits and bad furniture. So, it’s unsurprising that two of the most popular retail categories for the start of 2021 include workout gear and mattresses

New Year’s resolutions (and post-holiday muffin tops) make it an attractive time to want to get in shape and buy the necessary accessories to get the job done. In particular, workout-wear, yoga mats, resistance bands, and indoor exercise solutions are slated to be prime sellers during January and February. 

Typically, this trend goes hand-in-hand with gym membership offers. But with many gyms closed or operating at a limited capacity, virtual gym memberships and classes will be the option of choice for many newly motivated home-exercisers. The money they save on a physical gym membership is expected to burn a hole in their yoga pants’ pockets. High-end sports gear brands such as Peloton and Mirror are already capitalizing on the trend by offering the convenience of modern in-home exercise machines combined with personalized remote training. 

Home-bound consumers will also be looking to make their private spaces as comfortable and functional as possible in 2021. Mattresses and indoor furniture are expected to get added traction this season. As February is typically when new models of these products are introduced, it is also the perfect time to advertise and sell older models at a discount. 

Spring

With people spending more time at home, the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day (May 9) and Memorial Day (May 31) are prime opportunities for advertising such products as Air Fryers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other home appliances, big and small. 

Smart-watches and wearable tech will also be in high-demand come both Mother’s and Father’s Day (June 20th) as modern alternatives that surpass the flowers and ties of years past. 

In addition to appliances, athleisure wear and performance clothing will be hot in the spring, regardless of the weather. According to financial news website MarketWatch, the global athleisure market is expected to grow by $80.74 billion during 2020-2024 due to lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. 

Over the past year, many consumers have found comfortable and fashionable performance-clothing handy for their new lifestyles, ranging from working in their home office to traveling to the supermarket and back. As these garments are better suited for warmer months, spring is the perfect season to advertise and market athleisure, so be sure not to miss out on this global trend.

Summer

When it comes to tech, a significant opportunity to advertise low-medium cost electronic devices happens in tandem with Amazon Prime Day (which is expected to occur sometime in mid-July this year), the international e-commerce site’s annual two-day sale. Even if you aren’t an Amazon seller, you can still capitalize on the buzz by publicizing smart-home devices such as LED bulbs, temperature sensors, and Bluetooth speakers. 

Labor Day (September 6) sales often include grills and outdoor furniture because it’s one of the last opportunities consumers will have to cook outside before the cold weather rolls in. Don’t wait for the fall to sell your customers on the idea of their very own backyard oasis and start your marketing efforts throughout the summer months leading up to the holiday. This way, you’ll get a steady stream of customers at every stage of these seasonal products’ lifecycles. 

Fall

Take a good look at pet grooming, nutrition, and care products in the autumn of 2021. Pet adoption numbers skyrocketed in 2020, and pet industry expenditure grew by leaps and bounds year-over-year. Thanks to consumers’ generosity when it comes to their furry best friends, sales on items like dog beds, pet clothing, treats, and toys are expected to be a “must” during the months leading up to the holiday season. 

Warm and cozy clothing will again be in demand during the progressively cooler months, so be sure to have seasonally-appropriate variants of athleisure wear (such as lined leggings, jackets, and hoodies) on display via customer newsletters, online ads, and social media channels. 

*This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice, and you should consult with a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.