By Rieva Lesonsky
There are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs in the home décor, design and remodeling markets. Older Americans are either downsizing, fixing their current homes before they move into smaller ones, or remodeling them to make them more accessible, while millennials are buying homes (many in need of repair) to fit their growing families.
In fact, The NPD Group, a global information firm, reports online sales for home improvement products grew 41% last year, reaching almost $11 billion in sales.
When it comes to products for their homes and gardens, consumers are looking for the unique and affordable. That’s what makes the month-long March Expo sale so important for SMEs. If you go to Alibaba.com or the Alibaba.com mobile app from now until March 31, you’ll discover thousands of products in the home and garden category that are sure to appeal to your existing customers and attract new buyers.
Wide range of home products
The home and garden category covers a vast array of products, creating opportunities for a lot of different entrepreneurial businesses. If you sell (or want to) cleaning tools, garden supplies, pet products, home décor, storage and organization products, cookware, household sundries and tableware, check out the featured products from some of the more than 58,000 participating suppliers. Even within the categories themselves, there’s a broad range of products, from trendy water bottles (look at these eye-catching ones) to teacups and saucers, such as these pretty floral ones or these modern glazed ones.
Latest home trends
If you’re unsure what’s in demand right now, you can check out the latest home trends for 2018, and order today. These products are shelf-ready, so you’ll be able to start selling them in no time.
One product many homeowners looking for is beautiful mosaic tiles, which come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors. And tiles are not just for floors or bathroom and kitchen walls anymore. Many home decorators are incorporating unique tiles in fireplace designs or even as headboards in bedrooms. Since decorative tiles are a really hot trend at the moment, now is a great time to add materials like these to your inventories.
Kitchen remodels are among the most popular request contractors get. This being Alibaba.com, you can even order cabinets from sleek modern designs to more traditional styles.
Home shoppers are still clamoring for Moscow mule copper mugs, much like these, which are available during March Expo.
Honey is hot
I recently judged a small business contest and noticed quite a few businesses selling products made with honey. Due to the increased competition, honey entrepreneurs should package their products in unique jars and containers.
Pet profits
Americans spend a lot of money on their pets every year. You can attract more customers by offering products that are at once distinctive and functional, like this infrared, remote-controlled, automatic pet feeder, or this unique fish bowl. I watch a lot of home design shows on TV, and lately have seen more and more homeowners installing chicken coops in their yards.
Outdoor living
Many homeowners are creating outdoor kitchens, which have increased sales of barbecue grills and accessories. In order for them to cook outside in cooler temperatures, many are installing outdoor heaters to keep them from freezing while they grilling.
Take advantage of March Expo
Suppliers are offering a lot of deals during March Expo (many items have lowered MOQs—minimum order quantities), so if you buy now, you’ll save money, which you can pass on to your customers. And Alibaba.com is also offering promotions of its own. Purchases made this month will get free order inspection, 15% discount off ocean shipping (LCL) and low transaction fees.
You can follow the opportunities at March Expo on social media following @AlibabaTalk and the #DiscoverNewMarch hashtag.
