In a year marked by innovative fashion statements and cultural shifts, eBay has released its Watchlist Trends Report, providing valuable insight to small business owners navigating the dynamic fashion landscape. This report shows how shopping habits will be reflected in purchasing behavior and search trends for various fashion brands and styles in 2025, which can directly impact inventory decisions for small and medium-sized businesses.
eBay stylist Brie Welch emphasized the relevance of pre-loved items, saying, “This season, people are embracing the beauty of pre-loved styles by choosing pieces that feel personal, meaningful and sustainable.” As eBay highlights the appeal of second-hand shopping, small business owners may want to consider incorporating vintage or pre-loved items into their products to attract an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base.
Key insights from the report reveal that brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci remain incredibly popular, with 13 Louis Vuitton items listed every minute. Meanwhile, emerging brands like KidSuper and LUAR have seen impressive year-over-year growth, showing that a wide selection of inventory can appeal to both traditional luxury-seekers and more avant-garde shoppers. For small businesses, keeping an eye on these trends can help with strategic purchasing and inventory diversification.
One interesting trend is the influence of popular culture on shopping behavior. For example, Taylor Swift’s recent engagement photos led to a 194% spike in searches for Cartier Santos Demoiselle. Small business owners should consider how relevant cultural moments can influence purchasing trends. Leveraging these events in your marketing strategy can help you effectively engage potential buyers.
As the holiday shopping peak approaches, a report from eBay identifies several compelling fashion themes that could shape holiday offerings. The “High Shine” trend has seen a 983% surge in searches for Seiko rhinestone watches, driven by a growing interest in metal and decorative pieces. This shift toward standout accessories gives retailers the opportunity to highlight similar items, greatly increasing their appeal to customers looking for festive, eye-catching gifts.
On the practical side, trends such as ‘Cozy Luxury’ demonstrate a blend of comfort and sophistication. Searches for items like suede penny loafers and embellished slippers are up 47% and 98%, respectively. For small business owners, stocking versatile products that fit this trend can help meet growing consumer demand for stylish yet comfortable options, especially during the colder months.
Moreover, the ‘loud layers’ trend shows the desire for outerwear that reveals oneself, as the popularity of bright coats and funnel-neck jackets soared 365% and 136%, respectively. Small retailers can succeed by curating bold outerwear selections and positioning them as seasonal must-haves.
Rich jewel tones have also emerged as a popular choice, with searches for colors that reflect gemstones increasing. Many people begin gift shopping during this time, so including these colors in your holiday collection can resonate with shoppers. Small business owners should monitor these color trends closely to ensure their product range matches customer interests.
Despite the potential benefits, small business owners should also consider the challenges that may arise from the evolving market conditions outlined in the eBay report. Significant growth of existing brands can create competition, which can force small businesses to differentiate themselves through unique offerings or customization. Understanding the balance between popular items and unique choices is critical in this competitive environment.
Ultimately, eBay’s Watchlist Trends Report doesn’t simply reflect the 2025 fashion story, but serves as a resource for small business owners looking to improve their strategies. Small retailers can leverage insights from consumer trends, seasonality, and cultural milestones to adapt their approach to meet new demands while identifying the essence of what makes each sale special.
To learn more about the trends that defined 2025 and what will happen next, eBay encourages interested parties to explore the full report at: eBay Watchlist Trends Report.
Image via Google Gemini
