Top Ecommerce Categories in the US [Jun '22 Update] | Oberlo (2024)

If you’re starting an online store, it’s important to know what the top ecommerce categories are so you can tap on the right products, boost sales, and grow your business.

According to recent data on ecommerce sales by product category, the top-selling items of 2022 are expected to be computer and consumer electronics. Total retail ecommerce sales from these products are forecast to reach $219.33 billion. It is also expected to constitute 21.5% of total retail ecommerce sales, which means that more than one in five dollars spent by consumers online in 2022 is on computer and consumer electronics products.

That’s not all. The data also shows that the majority (56.3%) of the products from this category are now being sold online—making it an attractive niche for budding online store owners. It is also expected to be one of the fastest-growing consumer product categories in the US. According to analysts’ projections, total online sales from this category are expected to grow 15% this year.

The second-largest ecommerce category in terms of sales is apparel and accessories. In 2022, it is expected to generate $203.75 billion in sales. Like computer and electronics products, its market share of total retail ecommerce sales is also projected at around 20%.

Together, sales from these top two ecommerce categories are forecast to total $423.08 billion—representing a whopping 40.9% of total retail sales online.

At $129.45 billion, furniture and home furnishings is set to be the third-best-selling ecommerce product category in 2022.

This is followed by health and personal care and beauty products, at $111.03 billion. Of this overarching category, the two biggest subcategories are pet products, generating $21.38 billion in sales, and cosmetics and beauty products, whose overall sales are set to hit $18.6 billion.

Rounding out the top five ecommerce categories of 2022 is auto and parts, which is set to register $86.26 billion in sales. Analysts say this is set to be the fastest-growing ecommerce product category in the US. Online sales from these products are expected to increase by 30.1% in 2022.

Here are the other top ecommerce categories ranked by total sales:

  • Food and beverage: $78.28 billion
  • Toys and hobby: $74.03 billion
  • Books/music/video: $54.02 billion
  • Office equipment and supplies: $19.35 billion
  • Other: $58.32 billion

    Top Ecommerce Categories in the US [Jun '22 Update] | Oberlo (1)

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    Top Ecommerce Categories in the US [Jun '22 Update] | Oberlo (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the current trend in e-commerce? ›

    As the ecommerce market grows exponentially, six trends projected to heavily impact the global market are artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, live commerce, online-to-offline ecommerce, social commerce and voice assistants.

    Which category sells the most online? ›

    What is the Top Online Shopping Category in the US? According to data from eMarketer, the top online shopping category in the US is the Computer and consumer electronics category, which is responsible for $219.33 billion in retail eCommerce sales over the last year.

    What is the next big thing in eCommerce? ›

    Social commerce

    This is the practice of selling and buying products directly within social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Social commerce can leverage the power of social networks, influencers, and user-generated content to drive sales and awareness for brands.

    What do people buy most online? ›

    Among U.S. consumers the two most popular categories for online purchases are Clothing and Shoes. 43 percent and 33 percent of consumers respectively chose these answers in our representative online survey. The survey was conducted online among 10,051 respondents in the United States, in 2024.

    What is the future of e-commerce in 2024? ›

    In 2024, sustainability will play a significant role in shaping the e-commerce industry. Customers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options and supporting businesses that prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

    What is the fastest growing ecommerce segment? ›

    As of February 2022, car and auto parts retail e-commerce sales were forecast to increase over 30 percent compared to the previous year. Food and beverage was the second fastest growing segment, at around 21 percent. The average retail e-commerce growth across all categories would reach 14 percent.

    What are the top consumer goods categories? ›

    Consumer staples such as food, beverage, personal hygiene, and clothing products are frequently bought consumer goods. Nondurable goods are consumed in less than three years, are commonly used one time, and include packaged food and drinks or laundry detergent.

    What products will boom in 2024? ›

    Continuing the trend of impressing others, many people are also investing more in their automobiles, such as care products, diffusers, and seat covers. Therefore, 2024 could be the perfect year to switch gears and focus on car-related accessories and products.

    What is trending in ecommerce in 2025? ›

    The rise of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) has paved the way for personalized shopping experiences to take center stage in eCommerce. By 2025, personalized shopping is expected to dominate the industry, offering consumers a more tailored and engaging online experience than ever before.

    Are eCommerce sales down in 2024? ›

    Global e-commerce share of retail sales by year

    That percentage is forecasted to rise to 16.6% in 2024 and up to 20.6% by 2027. This marks growth of over 10% in under 10 years and will equal over $1.7 trillion being spent online, according to eMarketer data.

    Is e-commerce booming? ›

    Opportunities and Benefits of E-commerce

    The exponential growth of India's internet economy, projected to reach $1 Tn by 2030, presents vast opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. E-commerce is at the forefront of this growth, with projections indicating a market size of $325 Bn by 2030.

    Is e-commerce still profitable in 2024? ›

    With online sales reaching $5.7 trillion globally in 2022, and projected to exceed $8.1 trillion by 2026, a burning question arises: Is eCommerce still profitable in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, but success depends on careful planning and making the right choices to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

    Is e-commerce on the rise? ›

    Global ecommerce is growing rapidly.

    In 2021, over 2.14 billion people worldwide were estimated to shop online, up from 1.66 billion global digital buyers in 2016. Chinese ecommerce platform, Taobao, is the largest online marketplace with a gross market value (GMV) of $711 billion.

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