Seller Handbook

The following is a transcript of a podcast episode released in August 2022. The transcript has been edited slightly for this format. You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Isabella: Hey Dayna! How’s it going?

Dayna: Hey Isabella! I’m good, I’m so happy to be here. How are you?

Isabella: I’m doing well. So, for any of our new listeners, I’m Isabella. I lead Community Education here at Etsy, and I’ve had an Etsy shop for almost 10 years now.

Dayna: And I’m Dayna. I’m the resident trend expert at Etsy, and I’m so excited to be here talking about trends for the most wonderful time of the year.

Isabella: Me too. Here’s what this episode is going to look like: Today we’ll chat about the major trends for this upcoming holiday season. We’re going to go through some key trends that you should be looking out for, and we’ll talk about which categories the trend might work best for.

Dayna: We’re also going to be sharing examples of how the trends might look in action for various types of shops. Then we’ll get into our trend critiques, where we offer sellers ideas for ways to incorporate these trends into their shops.

Isabella: OK, the first trend that we’re going to have you talk through is pearlcore.

Dayna: Pearls have been on the rise for a couple of years now, but this year for the holiday season, they’re having a major moment. Think pearl detailing on accessories like headbands, shoes, and jewelry, but also within holiday decor as well. I think this is stemming from our love of the sea. You heard me talk earlier this year about crustacean-core, so this is an extension of that.

Isabella: I’m glad you said that because I always sort of felt that pearls were a little too fancy for me. I like that they’re aligning with these coastal and sea creature vibes that you were just talking about. For some reason, that makes it feel a little bit more casual, which is something that I can get into.

Dayna: Yes, pearlcore can be available for anyone at any level of personal style, no matter how casual or fancy.

Isabella: So what categories do you think this one works best for?

Dayna: Fashion and fashion accessories, for sure. When you’re thinking about fashion, think about perhaps including embellishments on sleeves and collars, headbands, the works. For jewelry, think about earrings. I think this is also an opportunity for home decor sellers to break out their creativity for pearlcore. Perhaps think outside of the pearl box and incorporate things like mother of pearl, in addition to traditional pearl accents in home decor and home accessories.

Isabella: Our next trend is magical forest. I can definitely get down with this one. Tell us everything, Dayna.

Dayna: It’s exactly how it sounds: magical. I want our community to think about those deep jewel tones and iridescent shimmers. Think about beetle bugs—with those colorful iridescent wings—and otherworldly beauties, like those oversized moths with exaggerated wings.

In terms of colors, think about dark palettes of blues, greens, and violets. Remember Etsy’s Color of the Year, emerald green? This is an opportunity to weave that in. There’s also a sense of mystery and wonder. I want you to think about escapism because this is all very fantasy-driven. It’s offering a bit of escapism for shoppers.

Isabella: It sounds like it would be a great fit for home and living, and maybe jewelry too. What do you think?

Dayna: Yes, absolutely. What a great way to make an entrance to a holiday party, by wearing something that aligns with this theme, like big statement earrings with iridescent tones or brooches. Vintage sellers, I’m thinking about you. Really think about those beetle themes. This trend would also be great for holiday decor, tablescape items like candles, table runners, and ceramics—all of that would be wonderful.

Isabella: This next one is also a big one for vintage sellers: kitchen kitsch. What can you tell us about this trend?

Dayna: Oh my gosh, this one is so fun. Fun colors, fun prints, all taking cues from vintage styles from the ‘50s and the ‘60s. Prints that almost seem cartoon-like. There are going to be many prints on textiles of kitchen items: prints of toasters, aprons, blenders. But I’ve also seen some prints that include swirly lines.

For examples, especially for vintage, I would love for our vintage sellers to consider thinking about retro coffee makers, dinner plates, and cookie jars. And then another category that this would be great for is home and living. I’m thinking of serving platters and cookie plates, especially those old school Santa plates which would be right on time for the holidays.

Isabella: All right, so next let’s talk about festive statements. What does this one mean, Dayna?

Dayna: This one is especially relevant for jewelry sellers. I want jewelry sellers to think about layering, like layering of necklaces. But also for fashion, I want people to think about the layering of texture. So maybe faux fur or shearling, things like that. It’s all about not being afraid to mix and match different textures, different types of jewelry. And this may be a little controversial but I think this is really aligned with this trend: Don’t be afraid to mix metals.

Another trend that aligns with this is embracing your personal style and whatever that means to you. I think that’s such a major message right now and it’s fun to know that there are no rules. Just be you.

Also: chunky chokers, decadent ear dressings, and statement baubles like oversized cocktail rings. Again, you’re making bold statements and allowing your personality to shine through.

Isabella: I feel like that’s another great one for vintage sellers, especially because of those oversized cocktail rings that you just mentioned.

Dayna: Definitely. And for home decor items, think over-the-top wreaths and ornaments that make a statement.

Isabella: OK, so next up is joyful shades and colors. What can you tell us about this, Dayna?

Dayna: Oh yes, it’s all about dopamine dressing and dopamine gifting. We’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years, and color is really helping us bring in fun, joy, and delight. So, pile it on for every category this season. One thing that I really like that’s been popping up is magenta and emerald green, which puts a spin on classic holiday color palettes. It feels very fresh.

Isabella: I can also see this working well across a lot of different categories. But, are there any that stand out to you in particular? Who might be able to easily incorporate this trend?

Dayna: Isabella, literally every category. Fashion, home, kids, decor, weddings—when I say every category, I mean every category. Pile on the color.

Isabella: OK, great. All right, the last trend we’re going to talk about today before we move on into our critiques is mixing eclectic and traditional home decor.

Dayna: Now more than ever, shoppers want to create spaces in their home that are inviting, comfortable, and interesting. I think there’s no better way to do that than to incorporate multiple colors, multiple textures, and prints. I want the seller community to consider the Arts and Crafts movement in florals. This is about celebrating the love of handmade with floral detailing. Those rustic elements that are inspired by nature are still going strong.

Wicker and rattan pieces, which is coming off the heels of the love for ‘70s decor that we’ve seen in the last year or so. Carved wooden details, which is adding to that layer of texture and interesting details.

Finally, items that are like heirloom-status-worthy pieces that can be personalized, whether it’s with initials or names or quotes. Today’s shoppers are looking to make conscious choices about what they’re purchasing. They want to spend their money on something that has thoughtful meaning and consideration, so they want pieces that are going to last for generations to come.

Isabella: This feels like it’s pretty specific to home and living, but could you see this applying to any other categories?

Dayna: Yes, I think this can also weave its way into fashion and art. Earlier this year I spoke about 3D art becoming a very popular item and that will continue throughout the holiday season. As I mentioned before about fashion, consider the texture that can be woven into pieces. Make it interesting and step outside the norm.

Isabella: Thank you for breaking all of those down for us, Dayna. It’s now time to move into our trend critique segment.

First up, we have CoiledUpCreations who says, “I craft coiled rope baskets to fit bakeware, serveware, planters, and coaster plates. My shop isn’t specifically targeted to the holidays, but my products lean toward entertaining and gatherings. I would love your input on how my shop can appeal to holiday shoppers. This is a wonderful opportunity. Thank you.” Ah, that’s so sweet. What do you think, Dayna?

Dayna: Thanks, Coiled Up Creations, for submitting your shop. And I want to say how on-trend you already are with these mood-boosting colorways in your baskets. I think you have an opportunity to take advantage of entertaining and hosting gifts for the holiday season. I’d suggest maybe styling your photos in a way that shows off how your baskets work for hosting. Maybe you could add in some beautiful pomegranates or other festive colorful items in your baskets for the photos, because it would show the item in action.

Isabella: Yes, I was going to say the same thing. I think they’re already so on-trend with all of the really fun and elaborate color patterns and colorways in their baskets. I think it’s more about the presentation as you were saying, Dayna. Setting up a tablescape and then taking photos for all of your listings against that tablescape to give your shop a really elevated, consistent editorial feel that will further iterate that your items are on-trend. These photos are also really appealing to holiday shoppers too, like Dayna was saying. People are thinking about gathering and entertaining right now. So if you can show how your item fits into that lifestyle, I think that will really take it to the next level.

All right, our next shop that we’re going to talk about, this is a vintage home decor shop, HerStoriedHome. They’ve got a lot of great pieces here, art, glassware, and glass figurines.

Dayna: You have so many delightful wonders in your shop! Based on current trends, I’d suggest bringing items like those beautiful blue glasses, these brightly colored plates, and these bold vases. I would bring these to the front of your shop, to be more easily discovered since they are so on-trend right now. I also think entertaining is going to be top of mind for shoppers, so perhaps this is a time for you to source more items that align with that. Think glassware, candle holders, platters, and things like that, because it’s time to show off and amp up the decor.

Isabella: I noticed that art is also a big seller for this seller, based on their sales page that you can find at the top of their shop. So keep sourcing those items since it works for you.

I like what you said about merchandising and leaning more into entertainment items. I also feel like you could keep some of the other trends that Dayna was talking through in mind when sourcing. I feel like they would fit into the current product line well. For example, emerald green and the enchanted forest vibes. Can you expand on your product line to align with those trends? I see some swans in here right now which are super enchanting in my opinion. Maybe exploring a few other critters and creature motifs here. For example, Dayna mentioned beetles before.

Dayna: Love that.

Isabella: OK, now we have KlikKlakBlocks. They sell wooden home dcor and gifts. What do you think, Dayna?

Dayna: First of all, what beautiful wood items! In terms of trends, shoppers are absolutely still looking for items that feature natural elements, like what they have listed here. I do think there’s an opportunity to take advantage of another major trend right now that we were just talking about: those mood-boosting colors. Shoppers are really looking to infuse their homes and spaces with those, and even purchase gifts that have these vibrant colors.

Isabella: Yes, 100%. I think the seller could experiment with adding in some color. And I know it might not be a super on-brand for them, but why not test it out? Maybe include a listing or two with some color, you could just try painting a few of the blocks or adding a slight color accent to the assortment of blocks. Just a small step, you know?

Dayna: Yes, I like the idea of testing it out and seeing how their buyers would respond. Another option, which has been a major trend this year, is ombre effects. Maybe that would be a way to slide into color as well.

Isabella: Last we have a jewelry maker, JewelGarage. They describe their shop as handmade minimalist delicate jewelry.

Dayna: It’s so pretty. One of the trends that I’m really excited about this holiday season is pearlcore, which we talked about earlier, and I noticed that this shop has one pearl item. Perhaps you can push this item further to the top and see how it performs. If it does well, you might consider adding a few more pearl options.

Isabella: Yes, going back to the merchandising thing, some of the best sellers on Etsy are sellers who merchandise their shops. They’re constantly updating what’s featured at the top to grab buyers’ attention and meet seasonality and trends. It’s the same way that you would update your window displays over time if you were to be running a brick-and-mortar.

Dayna: Totally. And for gifting season, many shoppers want to know what their item would potentially look like on their loved one. Is this an opportunity for you to include some photos on a model? Sometimes it’s easier to envision the gift when you see it on someone.

Isabella: Yes, and even better if you can use a listing video. Because to your point, seeing how something fits, getting a sense of movement and flow—all of that is super important. Video specifically can allow shoppers to understand those different elements, whereas static photos can’t always do that.

All right, that’s it for us! If you liked hearing Dayna talk trends and are looking for more trend updates and inspiration, be sure to follow us on Instagram over at @etsysuccess. Dayna’s been spotlighting a few different trends there and sharing how sellers are already implementing these trends in their shops. It’s so inspirational and you should definitely check it out.