With another holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to optimize your assortment—and we’re here to help. Read on to find out the key themes and items our experts have identified for Walmart Marketplace sellers in the Home category this year. If you carry any of the mentioned products or brands, make sure your listings are optimized for the best customer experience using our checklist below as a guide.
Ring in the season with retro pop holiday
Winter décor can be dark and moody, but it can also be cheerful and inviting. This season’s overarching theme is retro pop holiday, which echoes the latter. Instead of a sole focus on reds, greens, and wintry whites, think poppy pinks, glossy golds, and alluring iridescence. Retro pop holiday is all about evoking a sense of nostalgia (who doesn’t love a “merry & bright” throw pillow?) but giving everything an updated twist with fun colors and designs.
There are lots of ways to execute this trend. There’s an element of subtle theatrical glam that can come through thanks to red velvet or plaid curtains, faux fur & sheepskin rugs, and novelty lighting. Whimsical lighting that transforms a room’s mood has seen a big uptick in popularity, especially among younger audiences. Stock up on cool neon signs, colorful LED lights, and projectors that turn ceilings into star-studded galaxies.
Decorative versions of old-school games that are meant to be displayed, such as wooden Tic-tac-toe or a larger-than-life Jenga, can boost the fun and togetherness at holiday gatherings.
Key brands:
- Better Homes
- Mainstays
Key product types:
- Decorative pillows and poufs
- Curtains and panels
- Rugs
- Novelty lighting
Make what’s old new again—with a modern twist
One way to embrace this year’s trending theme is with Mid-century modern design, which has seen a boom in popularity over the last few years. Sleek furniture and accessories that feel vintage yet contemporary, playful prints, and clean lines all speak to the elegance of Mid-century modern. Help your customers give their homes a seasonal yet timeless refresh with rattan shelves, brass modern lighting, and retro patterns.
Key brands:
- Better Homes
- Mainstays
- Zinus
- Whalen
Key product types:
- Fireplace TV stands
- Bookcases
- Beds
- Sofas
- Futons
Give kitchens an exciting refresh
Holiday prep is not limited to home décor and furniture purchases. Family gatherings may signal a need for updated kitchen appliances to make sure the whole family can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee from a new machine and a perfectly toasted slice of bread. These small kitchen gadgets can not only help people build a cozy at-home café, but they also make perfect gifts. List them all on Walmart.com with competitive prices to drive better conversion.
Key brands:
- Ninja
- Keurig
- Simple Modern
- Hamilton Beach
- Samsung
- Philips
- Nespresso
- Nescafe
Key product types:
- Coffee makers and grinders
- Blenders
- Mixers
- Toaster ovens
- Microwaves
Help the host out
For some, this year might mark a return to holiday hosting after a hiatus. That means people are on the hunt for everything from large area rugs (including Southwestern, geometric, and wool rugs) to decorative hooks and nesting trays to offer functionality and aesthetics for party guests. More trending items include holiday-themed pillows, plush throw blankets, poufs, and stylish frames for gallery walls—particularly brushed metals and neutrals.
Plus, some households will be hosting their extended family for a few nights this holiday season. That translates to a bigger demand for foldable furniture, beds and mattresses, comforters, and other bedding.
Key brands:
- Better Homes
- Zinus
- Mainstays
- Slumber 1
- Bare Home
- Elegant Comfort
- Lux Décor Collection
Key product types:
- Bed frames
- Headboards
- Mattresses
- Comforters
- Futons
- Folding sets
Let customers fall in love with fragrance
Fall and holiday candles are a must for many, and this year is no exception. Shoppers are ready to stock up on all the yummy and comforting scents, from pumpkin and warm spices to pine and peppermint. Whether the candles lean sophisticated, like sculptural and neutral, or playful, like tree-shaped or LED, there’s no shortage of desirable types of candles.
Your customers will likely be stocking up for themselves and their friends, so keep fragrance gifts in mind. In addition to beautiful candle gift sets, aromatherapy diffusers (especially smart diffusers) and premium incense are popular gift choices. You can’t go wrong—filling one’s home with enticing scents is never a bad idea.
Fill the gaps with escapism
Not sure if your assortment includes these exact styles? Fill in any gaps in your inventory with another micro theme of 2021: tropical escapism. Fantastical tropical colors and prints uplift outdoor spaces, and bright holiday décor mixes things up. Don’t be afraid to throw away the rule book and experiment with mixing and matching untraditional colors and patterns to inspire a home that feels like a warm-weather vacation.
Holiday checklist for Home category sellers:
- Promise fast delivery
The better the expedited options you offer (such as Walmart TwoDay and ThreeDay or Walmart Fulfillment Services), the better your chance of winning the Buy Box. Plus, these delivery programs are easy to turn on and off or offer by region. Use Shipping Templates to customize your delivery setup. - Monitor content quality
Keep an eye on the Listing Quality and Rewards Dashboard to make sure your Listing Quality Score is at least 80%. You’ll find custom recommendations for improvements if needed. - Keep your shelves stocked
Having a solid, stocked inventory creates a better customer experience and makes sure you can adjust to rapid changes in demand. - Solidify your customer service plan
Follow our guide for customer service communications to turn customers into repeat shoppers.
