When we talk about online stores, the first things that come to mind are clothes, shoes or electronics. So, the usual. But the truth is that ecommerce has been expanding its horizons for years and, thanks to platforms like WooCommerce, anyone can set up their own digital business and sell practically anything.
And when we say “anything,” it’s literal.
Today we bring you a review of the most curious trends in e-commerce. Get ready, because there are products that you probably never imagined people would buy online.
The same as always… but stronger than ever.
Let’s not kid ourselves: there are categories that continue to reign supreme in online sales. Fashion and technology are at the top of the list. In Spain, sneakers, cell phones and headphones are among the most sought-after. So far, nothing unusual.
The interesting thing is that the online shopper is now becoming more and more demanding: it is no longer enough to have a nice catalog, they are looking for fast shipping, real reviews and an easy payment process.
And here WooCommerce plays a key role because it allows any store to offer that experience without having to be an industry giant.
The rise of “green” and “zero waste”.
Another trend that has come on strong is all things sustainable. From handmade soaps to reusable packaging, the public is interested in brands that care for the planet.
In fact, many micro-shops on WooCommerce have found their niche precisely there: selling organic, local and responsibly made products. And the funny thing is that these items, which used to seem like very specific minorities, are now booming.
Plants for home delivery: yes, you can also buy them online
If a few years ago we were told that we were going to order plants online as if they were a book on Amazon, few would have believed it. Well, the reality is that plants are a trend in the ecommerce world.
From small cacti to full-blown vertical gardens, they are sold and shipped to your home without a problem. Some stores even include a “starter kit” with tips on how to make it through the first week (which is appreciated).
Pets spoiled: the pet-friendly ecommerce boom
Spending on pet products is also skyrocketing. Specific feeds, gourmet snacks, smart toys and even clothing for dogs and cats are increasingly sold in online stores.
It is a booming market and, curiously, many of these stores start in WooCommerce with small catalogs and grow thanks to the loyalty of pet owners. After all, who hasn’t ended up buying that extra accessory “because my dog/child deserves it”?
Services sold as if they were products
Here comes one of the most curious trends: selling services in ecommerce format. Yes, with WooCommerce you can not only sell physical objects, but also consulting, online classes, nutrition consultations or even live yoga sessions.
The logic is simple: the customer enters, pays as if he were buying a book, but instead of receiving a package at home, he receives access to Zoom, a PDF or a calendar appointment. A very original way of transforming ecommerce into something more than just tangible.
Digital products: from ebooks to templates
Another category that is growing steadily is digital products. Ebooks, online courses, design templates, royalty-free music, photographs… anything that can be downloaded has a growing market.
The striking thing is that, for the seller, these types of items have no shipping costs or physical stock. And for the customer, the gratification is instantaneous: purchase and download in seconds.
The rarest things for sale on the Internet
And now we come to the fun part: the products you would never imagine someone buying online. Some real examples that have gone through WooCommerce or similar stores:
-Zombie survival” kits (with flashlights, knives and manual included).
-Adopt a goat”: you pay a fee and receive photos, news and even products made with the animal’s milk.
-Concert air bags: yes, people who sell packaged “air” from a famous concert.
-Impossible personalized objects: from a stone with your name engraved on it to a doll with your face in 3D.
Who buys this stuff? Well, surprisingly, there is an audience for everything.
What all this tells us about ecommerce
If something is clear with these trends is that on the Internet there are no limits. Any idea, no matter how strange it may seem, can find a space/audience.
Today’s online consumer is looking for different experiences, products that make them feel part of a community or that reflect their personal values.
And WooCommerce has become the perfect tool to materialize those ideas, whether it’s setting up an organic soap store or one that sells ebooks of futuristic recipes.
The future will be weird (and exciting)
The beauty of it all is that online stores are democratizing commerce. Before, setting up a business required a big investment and a lot of risk. Now, with WooCommerce, all it takes is an idea, a little creativity and a willingness to try.
And this is where the key comes in: having a well-managed catalog is as important as the idea itself. Because, no matter how curious or innovative your product is, if you don’t show it well, it gets lost.
Tools like WonderShop make that part of the process much easier: organize products, edit them all at once, improve the SEO of the store… In short, make it easier for crazy (and not so crazy) ideas to find their space in the digital market.
So the next time you browse an online store, think that behind that website may be a person who started from scratch, testing with WooCommerce and a little help from tools like WonderShop, and today is selling something you would have never imagined.
That is the true power of ecommerce.