As the highly anticipated 618 shopping festival approaches in China, sellers face the challenge of navigating a unique market landscape without the benefit of a presale system. This absence of reference data necessitates exceptional inventory management and demand forecasting capabilities to prevent stockouts and overstocking. In this article, we explore the maternal and baby products likely to gain traction during this year’s festival, focusing on consumer needs for the summer season and current market trends.
1. Colorful Children’s Swimwear: Safety Meets Style
The surge in popularity of water-based activities during the summer presents an ideal opportunity for sellers to capitalize on colorful children’s swimwear. According to an analysis by Alibaba, search and transaction data from Taobao indicate a significant increase in interest in swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and beachcombing. For instance, the payment conversion rate for disposable towels has reached an impressive 35%-40%, while swimming goggles enjoy a conversion rate of 30%-35%.
Furthermore, there has been a 351% increase in searches for water play equipment compared to previous periods. Last summer, a viral TikTok video highlighted the importance of swimwear color in enhancing pool safety, recommending bright hues like neon yellow, red, pink, or orange while discouraging blue or light blue. This trend, fueled by social media discussions and consumer education, positions colorful swimwear as a must-stock item for sellers. Brands can leverage this insight to not only stock safe swimwear but also engage in educational marketing, establishing a deeper connection with consumers through valuable safety information.
2. Stylish and Comfortable Sun Protection Gear
As summer approaches, the demand for sun protection products rises sharply. The peak consumption seasons for soft sun protection items, such as sunscreen, are “golden March and silver April,” while hard sun protection products, including sun protection clothing and guards, see heightened demand in May and June.
According to the Cicada Magic Cube report, consumer preferences are evolving from basic protective functions to more multifunctional and comfortable options. When it comes to hard sun protection, cooling technology, aesthetic appeal, and comfort are essential. Sellers should focus on offering stylish sun protection clothing that ensures effective sun defense while being comfortable and visually appealing.
3. Appetite-Stimulating Snacks and Supplementary Foods for Children
The hot summer months often prompt increased demand for snacks and supplementary foods that help cool down and invigorate appetite. A notable example is the resurgence of the “Black Plum Soup 2.0 version” from the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which quickly sold 1.15 million sachets within 24 hours of its launch. This trend reflects a shift towards health-conscious choices among younger consumers aged 20 to 35, moving away from taste-driven products to those that emphasize nutritional benefits.
Sellers in the baby snack market can draw inspiration from this success by developing products that blend taste and health. Items incorporating traditional Chinese ingredients such as hawthorn, gizzard shad, sea buckthorn, tangerine peel, and Poria cocos are likely to resonate with health-conscious parents. Emphasizing these elements will help create a strong brand identity and connect with the growing consumer demand for health-oriented baby snacks.
4. Innovative Cooling and Mosquito Repellent Products
The demand for cooling and mosquito repellent products has surged, as evidenced by Alibaba’s analysis of Taobao’s search data. Popular items include children’s mosquito repellent pants and bamboo sleep sacks for babies, which have seen significant transaction growth. Notably, toddler short sleeves and mosquito repellent bracelets are trending in consumer searches.
As we confront the seasonal annoyance of mosquitoes, sellers can capitalize on the growing market, expected to reach 12.006 billion yuan by 2024. In particular, mosquito repellent pants, known for their light, breathable fabrics and innovative repellent technology, are becoming essential summer apparel for children. Sellers should focus on diversifying their offerings, including cool mats, mosquito nets, and various styles of mosquito repellent pants, to meet the diverse needs of parents seeking comfort and safety for their children.
5. Essential Travel Gear: Foldable and Strong Storage Solutions
With the rise of cultural tourism, study tours, and camping experiences, young parents are increasingly seeking versatile travel gear for their summer adventures. Travel items that are foldable, portable, and equipped with ample storage solutions are particularly appealing.
Strollers designed for portability and durability are favored for long trips, effectively alleviating the constraints of transportation. Meanwhile, travel gear with strong storage capabilities, such as stroller sunshades, magnetic car window shades, and stroller mosquito nets, will likely gain popularity as parents prepare for family outings. Sellers should prioritize products that combine functionality with ease of use, as these will be in high demand among modern parents.
6. The Rising Importance of Children’s Sunglasses
Children’s sunglasses are expected to become a hot-selling item this summer. Historically, these products were often perceived as low-quality, “no-brand” items found at roadside stalls. However, with increasing safety awareness among parents born in the 1980s and 1990s, specialized sunglasses tailored for children are becoming essential for summer outings.
Brands focusing on quality, UV protection, and trendy designs will have a competitive edge in the market. Educating consumers about the importance of quality sunglasses will further stimulate demand, establishing children’s sunglasses as a new summer necessity for family travel.
Conclusion: Adapting to Consumer Needs for Market Success
As we approach the 618 shopping festival without a presale system, sellers must prioritize understanding consumer behavior and preferences. Engaging with customers, listening to their needs, and adapting product offerings will be crucial in uncovering growth opportunities. By strategically stocking up on these anticipated best-selling maternal and baby products, businesses can successfully navigate this grand consumption festival and build lasting relationships with consumers.
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