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Blog / Ecommerce platform guide / What to Sell on Shopify: 10 Best-Selling Product Niches And 30+ Product Ideas

Ecommerce platform guide

What to Sell on Shopify: 10 Best-Selling Product Niches And 30+ Product Ideas

What to Sell on Shopify: 10 Best-Selling Product Niches And 30+ Product Ideas
Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

18 min read

Did you know that the average Shopify store owner earns over $20K a month? You, too, can achieve this level of success by identifying the right product niche. With careful planning, your Shopify store can become a reliable source of passive income. But what to sell on Shopify? Let us help you discover which products will ensure your success.

Shopify is an easy-to-use ecommerce platform that allows you to create an online store and sell your products through a single dashboard. You can build a website to your liking and sell via multiple channels like social media sites, marketplaces, and messaging apps.

Another bonus is access to an app store that offers everything under the sun. Sounds overwhelming? Check out our 30 Best Shopify Apps to Boost Your Ecommerce Store for starters. 

Back to our main question—what to sell on Shopify? We’ve conducted market research and compiled an extensive list of trending products for you to choose from. Make sure to stick until the end to discover more benefits of selling on Shopify.

Best products to sell online through your Shopify store

When searching for trending products, it’s important to consider your target audience and their needs. This will ensure that your niche products resonate with them and provide value. To identify your audience, a.k.a. their “avatar,” consider their age group, gender, ethnicity, occupation, hobbies, income, pain points, and aspirations.

The ecommerce scene is highly competitive, so developing an effective marketing strategy and finding your niche market is crucial to increasing the likelihood of sales. For inspiration, check out our article with 100+ niche market ideas.

Valuable read: How To Find Products To Sell on Shopify

For example, the clothing line TomboyX found its niche market by creating unique lingerie for the LGBTQ+ community.

a group of men's underwear

Source: TomboyX

But where to find products to sell online? Starting a print-on-demand dropshipping business is a great option if you want to sell products online with no upfront costs.

What is print-on-demand dropshipping?

Unlike regular dropshipping, the print-on-demand business model allows you to sell customized products with your designs instead of generic products already offered by other vendors. You can then advertise these items on your online store without any upfront costs—you pay for a product only when a customer makes a purchase.

a group of clothes on swingers

Source: Printful

Find out more about dropshipping here. Or, if you want to compare it to print-on-demand, check out our article on Print-on-Demand vs. Dropshipping.

So, what can you sell on Shopify to make money? Let’s look at the best-selling print-on-demand products you can add to your Shopify store.

Valuable read: How to Dropship on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

What to sell on Shopify: 10 product niche categories for your ecommerce store

This list includes over 30 product ideas to choose from based on your business vision, preferences, and resources. I’ve researched each product category’s global market share and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), so you can rest assured that these ideas are proven winners.

Get ready to jot down your top picks!

Read also: 15+ Inspiring Shopify Store Examples

1. Athleisure products

In 2022, the global fitness industry was worth $96.7 billion, and, according to Statista, that number will rise to $131.9 billion by 2028. This means that people are in an escalating need of athleisure products. Selling fitness gear on your online store is a surefire way to earn big bucks.

Profitable athleisure product ideas

Leggings

a woman and a child doing yoga

Source: Printful

Every yogi’s best friend, on and off the yoga mat. Create stylish all-over print designs for this beloved sports item and watch the sales roll in.

Sports bras

a woman in a bathing suit

Source: Printful

Anyone with a bosom will agree that sports bras are crucial for a comfortable and pain-free workout experience, am I right? Plus, every pair of leggings needs a matching top.

Track pants

a man and woman sitting back to back on a bench

Source: Printful

Comfy workout pants, like joggers, sweatpants, or gym trousers, are essential for any athlete or sports enthusiast. Turn them into a matching tracksuit to complete the look.

Duffle bags

a woman holding a bag

Source: Printful

Who doesn’t want a stylish and spacious bag to transport their gym equipment? Go with a colorful all-over print to make your design pop.

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2. Custom clothing

If not set on a particular niche, keep it simple with custom clothing. The apparel industry market value in 2023 was a roaring $1.7 trillion, making selling clothing a lucrative option for your online business.

Clothing items you can add to your online store

Hoodies

a man wearing a hoodie

Source: Printful

Custom hoodies are a must-have item if you want to start your own streetwear brand. Sweatshirts and hoodies offer plenty of fabric real estate, making them a great way for customers to showcase your brand in public.

T-shirts

a woman smiling at camera

Source: Printful

Selling custom t-shirts never goes out of style. T-shirts are an affordable and timeless fashion piece that nearly everyone wears. Come up with a captivating design backed by a strong story or cause, and you’re bound to succeed.

Swimwear

two women posing for a picture

Source: Printful

The swimwear market is ever-growing as more people seek beautiful, comfortable, and sustainable swimsuits. This all-over print recycled high-waisted bikini meets all the criteria!

For some inspiration, look at other successful Shopify stores selling clothing, like The Outrage, Tentree, or Suta.

3. Travel gear

Whether it’s backpacking around Asia for 6 months or simply taking a local weekend trip to connect with nature, people love traveling. They’ll need some special items to make their outdoor experience more memorable and convenient.

Camping and travel gear you can add to your online store

Enamel mugs

a man holding a white mug

Source: Printful

A lightweight and durable enamel mug is a must-have for any devoted camper. I’ve used it to boil water, heat beans, and even cook fancy ramen. Create a personalized enamel mug with a cute outdoorsy design and start selling on your Shopify online store.

Windbreakers

a woman in a white jacket

Source: Printful

Nobody likes feeling cold, at least unintentionally (where are my ice baths and cold shower fans at?). The weather can be quite bleak on the coast or up in the mountains. Start an ecommerce business selling customized windbreakers and watch how all outdoor activity lovers end up in your store.

Backpacks

a man holding a backpack

Source: Printful

When hiking or traveling long distances, you need a comfortable bag that’ll fit all the essentials. This water-resistant Champion backpack will be a favorite amongst digital nomads and those transporting any tech gear.

Fanny packs

a colorful bag with a black strap

Source: Printful

Whether you’re going to a festival, nightclubbing, or simply walking the streets of a foreign city, fanny packs are your best friend. You can fit your phone, lip balm, sunglasses, wallet, and any other small items you want at hand. Design stylish custom fanny packs and add them to your store.

Pro tip: Discover how to create a captivating brand story to build trust and brand loyalty, turning potential customers into loyal fans.

4. Home office equipment

It’s easy to find what to sell on Shopify when you think of our global situation. Since Covid-19, the trend of flexible working appears to be here to stay, and more people are opting to work from home. This means the need for home office equipment is rising too.

Profitable product ideas for home office supplies

Mouse pads and gaming pads

a mouse pad and a keyboard

Source: Printful

Anyone working on a computer needs a mouse pad for smooth maneuvering. Offer customized mouse pads or gaming pads with unique designs so that customers can make their work or gaming time more cozy and personal.

Stickers

a paper with stickers on it

Source: Printful

Custom stickers with funny caricatures or quotes can light up anybody’s office space. We have a list of 39 sticker ideas to get those creative juices flowing.

Notebooks

a notebook and pen on a blanket

Source: Printful

Studies show that our brains are more capable of retaining information when we write by hand. Take this fact plus the increasing paper notebooks’ global market share, and you’ve got a good reason to sell custom notebooks.

5. Drinkware

Whether at home, work, or on the go, we need to stay hydrated. When debating what to sell on Shopify, think of selling custom drinkware to make downing those 8 glasses of water enjoyable. Moreover, the drinkware market share is predicted to reach $5.16 billion by 2030.

Water bottles

a hand holding a water bottle

Source: Printful

While deeply focused on work, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. That’s where a personalized water bottle can come in handy. Wondering what online stores selling water bottles can look like? Check out what Air Up is doing with water bottles and zesty flavors.

Mugs

a person putting marshmallows into a mug

Source: Printful

With over 1 billion coffee drinkers worldwide and 6.7 billion kilos of tea consumed each year, people need mugs. Personalized mugs with funny quotes or drawings can make sipping a hot beverage more memorable.

Tumblers

a colorful drink container with a metal straw

Source: Printful

These insulated mugs or cups keep drinks hot or cold for hours, making them perfect for on-the-go use. No more rushing your coffee on the way to work or overspending at coffee shops every day.

Coasters

a person holding a coaster with a cup of coffee

Source: Printful

Offer personalized coasters that match your custom mug and cup selection so people can keep their work desks looking brand new. An excellent opportunity to sell product sets!

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6. Bath and beauty products

Self-care will always be in style, so it’s no surprise the global bath and beauty products market is on the rise. But how do you find bath and beauty products to sell on Shopify? Luckily, many manufacturers offer white-label products that you can rebrand to your liking.

Top picks in the bath and beauty products section

Hand & body wash

a person's hands with soap

Source: Printful

Empower customers to make environmentally conscious choices by offering eco-friendly hand & body wash with your personalized label. Printful’s hand & body washes are ECOCERT-certified and have wonderful scents—from zesty green tea to sweet floral notes.

Towels

a towel and candle on a marble surface

Source: Printful

Personalized towels with names can make excellent gifts for the whole family. Plus, you’ll never use someone else’s towel by accident ever again. Of course, your design ideas can extend beyond names or monograms. For freedom of expression and bold colors, choose all-over print towels, or opt for an elegant embroidery design towel.

For more product ideas in this profitable niche, check out popular marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba.

7. Pet products

Are you a pet owner wondering what to sell on Shopify? As of 2023, 66% of US households (86.9 million homes) own a pet, and 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners see their pets as family members. In other words, there are plenty of pet owners looking for gifts and personalized items for their furry friends.

Pet products to sell on Shopify

Pet bowls

a dog sitting next to two bowls

Source: Printful

Create unique designs to put on pet bowls and make every pet owner’s household a bit more cozy. Names, nicknames, or cute phrases are perfect for personalized pet bowls.

Bandanas

a group of bandanas with text

Source: The Foggy Dog

All-over print bandanas can be worn by humans and their furry friends alike. You could offer sets of bandanas for owners to match their pets.

For inspiration, check out other successful Shopify store owners selling pet products like Healthy Spot or Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.

8. Art and home decor

If you’re an artist looking to start a print-on-demand business, selling wall art to homeowners or office workers is a stellar business idea. Stunning framed posters or canvas prints will add heart and soul to customers’ living spaces. Notably, the global home decor market, valued at $616.6 billion in 2019, is projected to surge to $838.6 billion by 2027.

Profitable art and home decor products to sell online

Posters

a man a picture on a wall

Source: Printful

Custom posters with a favorite quote, cherished photograph, or tailored artwork can add a personal touch to any space. Posters are lightweight and rollable, meaning low shipping and storage costs.

Canvas prints

a picture of a parrot on a shelf

Source: Printful

Custom canvas prints are the perfect choice for anyone looking to own a copy of original artwork that looks and feels just like the original. They’re a great option for all types of paintings. Similar to posters, you can offer framed prints or let customers frame them at home.

Metal prints

a painting of a flower on a black surface

Source: Printful

Glossy metal prints add a stylish look to contemporary living and office spaces. Plus, they’re durable, scratch-resistant, and survive extreme weather conditions. So, you can rest assured your artwork will last for years.

See what type of wall art is trending on Etsy to spark inspiration. Also, check out this article with 10 Tips For Turning Artwork into Profit.

9. Sustainable products

A recent study found that businesses that prioritize sustainability and employee well-being saw a 6% increase in net profit over three years.

We can all agree that sustainability matters for the planet, which is why it’s unsurprisingly one of the most profitable niches nowadays.

Eco-friendly products you can sell on Shopify

Tote bags

a person sitting on a white staircase holding a bag

Source: Printful

Bye-bye, flimsy plastic bags, and hello, sturdy, stylish eco tote bags! Showcase your designs on these indispensable fashion companions and help customers elevate their look. Our sustainable tote bags work with multiple printing methods—all-over print or sublimation, DTG, and embroidery.

T-shirts

a collage of images of a man and woman

Source: Etsy

If you’re looking to start your own t-shirt business, why not go the sustainable route? Custom t-shirts are always in high demand, and you can even create a design that raises awareness around sustainability. Check out these successful t-shirt businesses to get inspired.

Scrunchies

a woman with a flower in her hair

Source: Printful

The global scrunchies market is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2031, meaning these hair accessories are gaining popularity. The nerve-wracking question of what to sell on Shopify can be answered with eco custom scrunchies!

10. Tech accessories

Based on a recent survey, 85.82% of people on this planet own a smartphone, and a large portion of those people buy phone accessories. Turn your Shopify store into a tech accessories haven and watch all the smartphone enthusiasts flutter your way.

Tech accessory ideas for your store

Phone cases

a phone case with a sun and a face on it

Source: Printful

Everybody with a phone needs a case. If you don’t have one, you like living dangerously. Come up with a stylish design for custom phone cases, or hire an expert to do it for you.

Valuable read: 30+ Unique and Creative Phone Case Design Ideas For Your Store

Laptop cases

a laptop and a cup of coffee

Source: Printful

67% of internet users go online using laptops, meaning they need cases too. So, when they’re on the move to school or work, they’ll need a laptop case to keep their device safe. Add custom laptop cases to your online store and watch sales skyrocket.

Earphone cases

a collage of images of items

Source: Etsy

Yet another tech accessory that can be personalized to create a subtle fashion statement. To narrow your niche as much as possible, think of what type of earphone case you’d like—maybe that’s mythical creatures, sleeping kittens, or musical plants. Check out these cute earphone cases on Etsy to spark your imagination.

For some phone case inspo, check out Burga, Phoneloops, or The Dairy.

To make your ecommerce business thrive, you must sell products people want to buy. So, how do you find trending products? There are several free resources you can use to conduct market research. Let’s recap the best free product research tips and tricks.

When searching for trending products, Google Trends is a valuable tool. It analyzes the popularity of top queries across various regions and languages, using graphs to compare the search volume of different queries over time.

a screenshot of a graph

Source: Google Trends

You can access this information for free by typing in your ideas and selecting a period of data you wish Google Trends to display. A value of 100 indicates peak popularity, while a value of 50 shows that the term is only half as popular. Scores of 0 indicate insufficient data or search volume for the selected term.

When using Google Trends for product research, it’s crucial to consider consistent search volume throughout the year rather than seasonal peaks. This approach guarantees more reliable sales.

Browse what’s trending on online marketplaces

When a product is popular on online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, it’s a smart move to consider adding it to your dropshipping business. Look for products with high demand but low competition for best results.

a screenshot of a product price list

Source: Amazon

Some other online marketplaces for product research are Alibaba, AliExpress, and Walmart. Besides product research on various marketplaces, you can find product ideas on social media by searching trending hashtags and keywords.

Pro tip: Capitalizing on trends early gives you a vantage point. Find product keywords with a high search volume but only a few sellers offering that product. But be careful—there’s a big difference between what people think of as trends and what they really want. Make sure your product isn’t a fad, as the demand for that will eventually die.

Read customer reviews on existing products

If you’re considering selling a popular product with fierce competition, it’s a good idea to check out what customers have said about it. Look for ways to improve your product by analyzing the feedback and reviews.

a close up of a cup

Source: Amazon

You should also check the prices and shipping costs other sellers offer for the same product. Consider how you can make your product unique and superior. Try to pinpoint an issue that you know how to fix, like providing faster shipping or a life-long guarantee.

Research products with higher profit margins

To ensure your Shopify store’s success, pick dropshipping products with high profit margins to make your business rentable. As a general rule of thumb, a 10% profit margin is considered average, 20% is really good, but 5% is low.

When calculating the profit margin, don’t forget about taxes, shipping fees, selling fees, and any other Shopify fees. If you choose to start a print-on-demand dropshipping business, check out this Guide to Printful Pricing. We also have a guide on How to Price Your Print-on-Demand Products.

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The benefits of selling on a Shopify store

a screenshot of a website

Source: Shopify

We already mentioned how Shopify is user-friendly, and its large range of customizable templates allows you to create a unique branded store. Check out this article for 6 Tips to Create the Perfect Shopify Landing Page.

We also mentioned Shopify’s app store with a vast amount of plugins and integrations that boost functionality. Plus, selling products through multiple platforms is a breeze. But, there are many more benefits to selling physical products on Shopify.

  1. Scalability. Shopify offers scalable plans to accommodate small startups and large businesses alike. Their fees also scale as your business grows.

  2. SEO-friendly. SEO, or search engine optimization, is paramount to any online business’ success. SEO practices ensure your website ranks at the top of Google’s search engine results page, meaning potential customers will find you when typing in their queries.

  3. Secure. Shopify is Level 1 PCI DSS certified. This means that all Shopify online stores are automatically PCI compliant, providing your customers with peace of mind and ensuring your business appears legitimate and secure.

  4. Customer support. Shopify offers customer support 24/7, which is especially useful for troubleshooting any issues.

  5. Global reach. One of the best things about Shopify stores is their global reach. You can sell to customers worldwide, changing the language, currency, and website theme as needed.

  6. Integrated marketing tools. Shopify offers an extensive list of marketing tools like email marketing, social media integrations, and automation tools. Find out more on their website.

  7. Mobile-friendly. According to a recent survey, at least 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase online using their mobile device in the last 6 months. Shopify makes online shopping on mobile a seamless experience.

  8. Payment options. Shopify supports multiple payment gateways, making it convenient for shoppers to pay. This reduces shopping cart abandonment and boosts sales. They also offer Shopify Payments, which eliminates the hassle of setting up a third-party payment provider or merchant account.

  9. Analytics. You gain access to detailed analytics and reports that assist you in making data-driven decisions. You’ll be able to make more effective marketing strategies and improve your offering.

  10. Community. When you become a Shopify store owner, you’ll be part of a large online community where you can find advice, tips, and answers to common questions.

What’s more, Shopify offers a free trial period and the first 3 months for only $1/month, so you can test their platform before committing financially.

The benefits of starting your ecommerce store with Printful

a screenshot of a website

Source: Printful

Besides no upfront costs and automatic order fulfillment, Printful offers all the tools and support you need to succeed in the ecommerce world.

  • Free sign-up, fast setup. Opening a Printful account is entirely free and extremely easy to set up. You can connect your Google, Apple, or Facebook account, or sign up with your favorite email address.

  • Over 330 high-quality products. Finding what to sell on Shopify is easy when you have access to 334+ high-quality customizable products to choose from. Remember to order product samples before listing items online to make sure you’re satisfied with the quality and look.

  • Free product mockups. Use our free Custom Mockup Maker to create stunning product mockups. Choose from 300+ built-in backgrounds and layouts and 100+ design elements. Save time and money on photoshoots with 2,550+ polished product images.

  • Free design tool. We also have our custom-built Design Maker that allows you to create and customize designs in a jiffy. Bonus—these designs automatically abide by our print file guidelines, so that’s one less technical aspect to worry about.

  • No order minimums. Whether you’re ordering several hoodies as Christmas gifts for the fam or 1000 t-shirts for your online store, all products are made to order. There are no order minimums.

  • 29 integration partners. If Shopify isn’t your cup of tea, no worries. Printful currently offers 29 integrations for your convenience—choose from our list of ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, and custom APIs. Feeling overwhelmed with all the options? Go with multiple platforms, or scroll to the bottom of the page to take a 1-minute quiz to see which solution fits you best.

  • 24/7 customer support. If you have any questions or urgent matters, Printful is here to support you every step of the way. At any time of the day.

Check out this article explaining How to Connect Your Shopify Store to Printful.

Print-on-demand doesn’t speak to you, but you’re still looking for products to sell on your ecommerce platform? We’ve got you covered with our product sourcing guide.

Turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality

A diverse platform like Shopify provides all the tools and support you need to succeed in the ecommerce world. Take these product ideas and add your personal spin on them to attract your niche market.

Whether you choose to penetrate the dynamic athleisure market, go the sustainable route with eco-friendly products, or sell original art prints, understanding your target audience and developing a winning marketing strategy is crucial to success.

When looking for product inspiration on Shopify, keep in mind that finding the right idea is subjective. Persistence and adaptability are key in your ecommerce journey. Stick to it and stay flexible.

Did we miss any product niches on this list? Let us know in the comments below.

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author

By Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa on Nov 21, 2023

Zoe Amora Iranzo-Lauriņa

Guest author

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.

Zoe is a creative writer, multilingual translator, and certified yoga instructor with a passion for learning, traveling, and global cuisine. When she's not typing away at her PC, you can find her teaching yoga in the park, reading on the couch with her cat, or plunging in the Mediterranean.