When launching a Shopify store, the right product selection is essential to differentiate and grow with profitability. In the following, we identify six product categories with strong signs in the US and Canadian markets, with relevant tactics for each, and how to strategically approach the offer.
1. Health & Wellness Products
Consumers are putting more and more resources into health, self-care and performance. This presents a tremendous opportunity for retailers to position items as solutions, instead of simply products.
Why it works :
- In Canada alone, there are nearly 27 million e-commerce users (≈ 72.5% of the population).
- On Shopify merchant data, product categories like "face serums" experienced ~296% year-over-year growth in the U.S. market.
- Health and wellness items (functional coffee blends, supplements, air purifiers) are also seeing strong search volume and good profit margins.
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Target niche functional beverages (e.g. "focus mushroom coffee"), wellness skincare (serums, masks), or air quality products (e.g. small air purifiers for indoor use).
- Just be aware of regulatory/labeling challenges (especially in Canada) and what you claim about quality.
- Tell a story that states "why this product matters," "what's the benefit" and user reviews.
- Source reliable suppliers and focus on subscription models for recurring healthy purchases.
Takeaway :
Well-positioned wellness and self-care items can capture significant demand—don't make vague claims but instead focus on benefit + story + solid execution and you'll see success.
2. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Fashion / Activewear
Customers are wanting more and more products that support values like sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality.
Why it works :
- It needs to be mentioned that fashion leads all e-commerce product categories in Canada (and after fashion is electronics).
- “sustainable activewear” was called out specifically some of the top-selling product types in Canadian market data.
- Fashion items tend to have purchase cycles and opportunities for repeat purchases, cross-selling, and brand building.
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Eco-friendly gym sets, recycled fabric leggings, minimal athleisure
- Limited or small-batch drops to create urgency
- Strong brand identity (e.g. ethical supply chain, complete transparency)
- Sizing guides, styling tips, user content to establish trust
Takeaway :
Fashion + sustainability = strong proposition. The trick: create a brand, not just a product listing!
3. Tech Gadgets & Accessories
Small electronics, accessories and tech gadgets continue to be a solid category—especially appealing to online retailers targeting North America consumers.
Why it works :
- Research implies that electronics and tech gadgets are doing very well with potential U.S. & Canadian consumers.
- Accessories (phone stands, wireless charging, wearables) weigh less and have lower potential shipping costs, often fall into a lower price point that encourages impulse purchases.
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Smart watch accessories, portable gadget kits, niche tech (home IoT gadgets)
- Make sure US/Canada compatibility as it relates to electrical plugs & regulatory requirements
- Provide clear how-to content, videos, thumbnail outlines, and visuals to receive products back & mitigate returns
- Bundle the item as an accessory as well (accessory, and main product) to help to increase average order value or connect to overall solution of accessory and processing
Takeaway :
Tech gadgets = difficult niche, don't get lost in the clutter! Explain the value expertly (with story, content, (accessory and main product) to help stand out.
4. Home & Living Essentials
A specific category to highlight would be home décor, bedding, comfort items, and functional home improvements—especially as more folks are spending time at home.
Why it works :
- In Canadian e-commerce, home & living is a leading share of revenues and opportunity for growth.
- For example: “linen sheets” gets around ~20,000 searches per month in appropriate markets!
- Shopify
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Premium bedding sets, linen sheets in sought after colours/textures, decorative do-it-yourself items
- Home improvement accessories: smart lighting, ergonomic furniture accessories
- Use strong visuals, “before and after” content, lifestyle photos (help people to visualize the product they want in their home)
- Upsell/cross-sell: “you bought sheets, you might want to get the matching pillowcases” etc.
Takeaway :
Home-based products can be less seasonal and more stable—a good category to build brand equity and establish recurring purchases (e.g., refreshing bedding).
5. Pet Products
The pet niche market offers a more loyal buyer group, and is generally recession-proof.
Why it works :
- "Dog toys" shows growth and lists of trending items of Canadian trends.
- Pet owners spend freely on unique, quality items for their loved ones pet, and this leaves room for margin.
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Unique diverse dog/cat toys, smart pet accessories (GPS collars, interactive food station); pet care (premium)
- Align with pet owner values of durability, safety and design.
- Content as well might include 'how to use', 'why your pet needs this' and social media with cute images of pets.
- Loyalty programs may also work given traits of pet owners = long-term buyers through pets.
Takeaway :
Niche of pet = emotional buy + repeat potential. Focus on one type of pet, and a growing reputation as an authority in "pet" not as a generalist of "just everything for every type of pet".
6. Personalized & Niche Products
Products that feel bespoke, one-of-a-kind or personalized create strong attraction -- especially with gift giving (they make great gifts) and brand differentiation.
Why it works :
- Canadian trend research illustrates products that are handmade/personalized in nature are some of the top trending products.
- In a crowded marketplace, personalization allows a shop to stand apart and charge premiums.
Some good product ideas and approaches :
- Custom printed tumblers, bespoke accessories, monogrammed items, limited time drops
- Frame it as a personalization process (i.e., "Add your initials", "Choose your colour", "Hand-finished in our workshop")
- Lighten the logistics (small packages, cheaper shipping)
- Use social proof: use customer photos of personalized items to convert sales
Takeaway :
If you cannot compete on a pure price basis, you can compete on uniqueness or individuality. Special items can contribute to perceived value and loyalty.
How to Evaluate & Choose Your Winning Products
Below are some quick criteria to apply to help make a decision about products that have real market viability.
- Demand : Use search volume tools and Google Trends. For example: "insulated tumblers" were identified as the trending product in Canada with search growth.
- Profitability : Look at the cost of goods, shipping, packaging, and returns.
- Logistics : Weight, size, shipping cost, custom taxes.
- Differentiation : What makes your product different? Brand, story, customization, focus on leg or niche.
- Audience : Are they looking to buy in the US/Canada? What are their pain-points or wants?
- Legal/Regulatory : especially for health/wellness products, "claims" make a difference; for home products, consideration of electrical safety; and for pet products, safety compliance.
If you are developing a Shopify store for consumers in North America, I recommend you choose one strong category, develop your brand and supply chain around it, and then grow. It’s important to note that the six categories highlighted above demonstrate real and current opportunities in both the US & Canadian markets - supported by data and consumer behavior.
Ultimately, select a product that you can develop a story around, fit a buyer need very well, and support with awesome content and service, and you will be well on your way!
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