Recently we issued our first “SLI E-Retail Holiday Index,” a report on site search and shopping trends that reveals the most sought-after items in various retailing categories. The data was pulled from a sampling of our hundreds of online retail clients, in such sectors as Apparel, Jewelry, Cosmetics, Electronics, and Gifts & Novelty (see below to discover the trends). We plan to issue this data on a monthly basis during the holiday shopping season, and ongoing afterwards.
Some of the data may come as no surprise to you – like the fact that winter boots are a popular apparel item right now (you can pretty much count on that every year around this time), or that traditional diamond stud earrings and engagement rings are highly searched for in jewelry. Still, some of the data may be less obvious – like the fact “iPad” was a really popular search term in the late spring/early summer, but has since dropped off the list. (Maybe it will make a comeback as we get closer to December, but who knows?)
As you continue to develop your marketing campaigns and enhance your sites to capture the high volume of cyber traffic during the holidays, the SLI E-Retail Index might be useful to you. But perhaps more importantly, you can actually get a lot of this data yourself by looking at your own site search analytics to see what’s hot and what’s not on your own site. If you’re not already looking at this data on a regular basis, now’s the time to start!
So, without further adieu, here’s the data from our first E-Retail Index – and keep a look-out for another report next month. And if you’re still looking for ways to beef up your site for the holidays, be sure to download our free guide: “SLI Holiday Guide: 10 Steps for Preparing Your Online Retail Site Search for the Holiday” (available at usblogsli.wpengine.com/holiday-guide.php).
Women’s and Men’s Apparel
Currently, men and women are seeking the best in hoodies, cardigan sweaters and winter boots in preparation for this holiday season, whether shopping for loved ones or to enhance their own wardrobes. Silly Bandz bracelets remain a popular purchase item across many of the retail apparel and novelties stores. And, women are actively seeking out Maxi dresses, while men want the hottest looks in leather jackets.
Jewelry
The most popular trends in jewelry this season are focused on more traditional items, such as diamond stud earrings in all shapes and sizes. In October, online shoppers also sought out ruby and diamond rings and engagement rings, as well as men’s watches, from top designers such as Rolex.
Cosmetics
Online shoppers are busy looking for chemical-free and skin purifying cosmetics items this year. Products such as sulfate-free shampoo and antioxidant moisturizers are high on shopper’s lists, while make-up kits, hair extensions and eyelash growth products are also being searched for frequently. The top brands this season include Dermalogica, Bare Minerals, Ultraceuticals and Jane Iredale.
Consumer Electronics
In the area of consumer electronics, online shoppers are hot on the trail of new laptops, netbooks and all-in-one printers from brands including HP, Panasonic and Toshiba. Cameras are also a popular item from top manufacturers Canon and Nikon. Interestingly, searches for iPads were at the top of the list in June, but tapered off in July and have not gone back up.
Gifts and Novelties
Silly Bandz, hoodies, black lights, Snuggies and electronics tailor made for seniors, like the Go Computer and the Jitterbug phone, were the most popular novelty items in October. And, as consumers prepare for the holidays, items such as tablecloths and champagne glasses were also top on the list. In addition, searches for experience gifts, such as helicopter flying lessons were on the rise.
