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An interesting stat for clothing sellers
I'm just quoting the article, haven't looked into this very deeply, as I'm not primarily a clothing seller, but thought this was interesting:
"One category that saw a massive pendulum swing is fashion retailers. Online purchases peaked at 95 percent in 2020 and subsequently fell over the course of three years to 47 percent. The report suggests that this change has disproved the prediction of the end of in-store shopping. Commerce Signals notes that in the post-pandemic era, people still have the urge to physically try on clothes, touch fabric, look at the items they’re purchasing and connect socially with others throughout the process. "
I presume this is about sellers of new clothing, but I wouldn't be too surprised to find it isn't that different for used clothing. So not only is clothing on eBay probably an oversaturated category, it is also a category that has seen a substantial decline in online sales overall. I would guess the answer to this, if you sell clothing, is to be really selective with what you offer.
Thoughts?
kh-vince
·1 year agoHi everyone,
Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
Thank you for understanding.
anjofak
·2 years agoIf it has 1000-3000 on the tag might get 200-300.
During shut down we picked up sooo many units of closed shops inventory, tons of these shops, booths had just closed up ended leases and storaged everything then decided to abandon..
It's a come and go category like most.
pickapaper
·2 years agoI buy a most of my clothing and shoes on line from big retailers because none of the local stores carry brands I like. I don't have to return much but if I do, it is always quick and easy.
On eBay, many clothing sellers don't want returns (I understand that but even if measurements are given, it doesn't mean the item fits right or looks good on me), don't list measurements, don't bother to answer questions or if they do, they give snarky replies, and the list goes on and on. If I look at a clothing item on eBay, I always check the seller's feedback to see what kind of pattern that shows.
One pet peeve of mine is eBay clothing sellers who list condition only as "pre-owned". What the heck does that even mean? Okay, someone owned it previously but does it have holes or pulls, moth damage, is it faded, or anything else that might be relevant.
simply-the-best-for-you
·2 years agoWhat @luckythewinner said. So, we're back to pre-lockdown levels, more or less. That's all.
But ask me again in October. Sept/Oct are usually my best months & right now is the historically worst 3 weeks of the year. I hate BTS.
luckythewinner
·2 years agoUmm .. everyone was locked down in 2020 due to COVID and that is why they bought online?
chapeau-noir
·2 years agoThe drop from 95% to 47% in a climate where many people were proclaiming that B&M sales are "dead" and online is where commerce is moving says more about durable buying habits and how badly many of these pundits misread trends than "people were locked down". They thought the online boom would continue forever and had just had an upward boost with lockdown - tech companies hired like crazy, etailing added new sites and new hires...and the same thing happened as happened in the 80s/90s when investors thought people would sport shop for ever and built far too many malls and paved over far too much good land for the almighty car. The bubble burst.
woodrowmo-30
·2 years agoIf the overall online sales for clothing have declined, it becomes even more important for clothing sellers, including those on eBay, to be selective in their offerings.While online sales might have declined, there's still potential for a synergy between online and offline channels. Some clothing sellers may consider having a presence both online and in physical stores if feasible. Additionally, sellers could emphasize aspects that are unique to online shopping, such as convenience, wider selection, and the ability to compare prices and reviews.
chapeau-noir
·2 years agoIt's not an easy market, but it has depth - there are people looking for discontinued styles, vintage, more rare Japanese, German, British, Dutch, etc., designers, people who live in clothing deserts who simply want to stock up on styles they like, or sizes that are hard to find, specific band Ts or collector ball caps, world clothing, etc. And everybody needs clothing if you don't want to get arrested for appearing skyclad in public.
As the clog-up clears (i.e., store buyers who couldn't get their orders due to supply chain issues and then got flooded) and prices stabilise, the markets stabilise, too.
natoman777
·2 years agoSo, I would say that the article is just focusing on the reality that physical stores are seeing more shoppers after 2+ years of super low sales. I believe articles like this try to influence the readers. We sell plenty of clothes on several platforms, both current and vintage. Online sales of clothing aren't going anywhere
chapeau-noir
·2 years agoPeople are spending plenty of money, they've just gone back to B&Ms to do it. I've always tried NOT to carry the stuff everyone else is selling and to create a niche. It gets tougher every year as inventory selection changes, and the pandemic meant a big increase in sellers, but I manage.
Those findings don't really surprise me, though - this business of "everybody" buying online and only at Amazon has always been rather exaggerated, just like the doom and gloom about the economy. Buying patterns definitely shift with the economic macro-climate, trends, etc., but it's surprising how actual buying habits remain steady.
buddyboyusa
·2 years agoBuy all my clothes during clearance sales from big name department stores. For a few dollars more can buy new with tags off the rack. Used to buy on eBay and Goodwill but they are no longer the bargain they once were.
rugerskick
·2 years agoThe only time they are worth it is when a color tag is $.99 per item.
sci_3177
·2 years agoAn interesting stat for clothing sellers, particularly for T-shirts, is the substantial growth of the e-commerce apparel market.
This trend is driven by factors such as the convenience of online shopping, a wide range of choices, and the ease of customization. For T-shirt sellers, leveraging e-commerce platforms, providing unique and personalized designs, and optimizing the online shopping experience can be crucial for tapping into this growing market.
Additionally, keeping an eye on consumer preferences, sustainability trends, and the integration of technology in the apparel industry can provide valuable insights for clothing sellers looking to stay competitive and meet evolving customer demands.
kalyoth
·2 years agoPurchasing requires disposable income. Right now that is all going into energy, rent & grocery bills. Blame that Inflation thing...
my-cottage-books-and-antiques
OP2 years ago@kalyoth Well, as the article states: "people still have the urge to physically try on clothes, touch fabric, look at the items they’re purchasing and connect socially with others throughout the process. "
In other words, people are spending money on clothing, but many prefer the experience of shopping in a B&M store, something that is hard to replicate online. Online shopping may be convenient in many respects, but many people prefer physical shopping to virtual shopping. Which is one reason I say, the online clothing sellers who are selling stuff that would be harder to find in the B&M world (whether in a mall or a thrift shop) have an advantage.
lakefor94
·2 years agoMy wife still buys all her clothing online. All items are new. She shops quite a bit as I fetch all the packages. I also do the returns, lol. She NEVER has an issue getting a refund on something that does not fit or she just doesn't like it.
Does not do a ton of returns but a few here and there. I don't know where all she buys from. It is not eBay.
I don't shop much for myself but prefer to look at it live. I get most everything I need at Bass Pro. 2 trips a year does it. Certain jeans I order online because I know the model number or whatever is on the tag. Just get the same stuff, over and over. Costco and Wal-Mart round out the shorts selection and I pick up a garment or 2 here and there while getting groceries.
We don't know what a mall is.
Nothing has changed for us. Same, same. fwiw....
tobaccocardyahoo
·2 years agoA recent Wall Street Journal article pointed to the "bright spot" in commercial real estate. Rentals of stores are way up. Heavily dominated by smaller retail spaces.
B&M retail is not dead. Some online sellers have reached the end of the growth of online sales, and are opening retail stores.