19 profitable eCommerce business ideas (2024)

The first step in starting an eCommerce business is choosing which products you want to sell and who you want to sell them to. If you already have a specific industry or niche in mind, great.

If not, that’s okay too. There’s no shortage of eCommercebusiness ideasto pursue.

To help you out, we’ve put together this list of 19 profitable eCommerce business ideas with high profit potential. Learn why each category is trending and draw inspiration from some real-world examples of companies that are doing it right.

19 profitable eCommerce business ideas

01. Fashion products

The opportunity:Global market value for the online fashion business is expected to hit $1 trillion by 2025. That translates to an annual growth rate of 7.2%, according to data fromStatista.

The possibilities:Fashion is a hyper-competitive industry but with so many niches and personal styles out there, there are still plenty of ways tostart your own clothing lineorstart a t-shirt business. Alternatively, you couldstart an online boutiquefeaturing handmade items and/or items curated from brands and designers that you love.

A dropshipping orprint-on-demand companycan help you get started quickly. Under this model, you can outsource manufacturing and fulfillment to a trusted partner, and focus your energy on designing a diverse range of products.

If you have a flair for creativity, an eye for fashion, or even just a geeky love for funny slogan t-shirts, a fashion business could be the way to go.

Fashion ecommerce businesses to learn from:

02. Sustainability focused products

The opportunity:The demand forsustainable eCommercepractices continues to rise. Nearly half (49%) of consumers paid a premium—an average of 59% or more—for sustainable goods,IBM researchshows. Fashion resale in particular is expected to grow three times faster than the global apparel market overall, according toThredUP.

The possibilities:Sustainability isn’t a product as much as it is a classification of business. It includes reusable, biodegradable, and sustainable products. Incorporating a sustainable ethos into your branding and operations can help consumers reduce their eco-footprint.

If you’re looking to create an eco-friendly brand, consider selling garments sourced exclusively from fairtrade manufacturers or dipping your toe into fashion resale. You couldsell vintage clothing online, sourcing clothes from thrift stores, wholesalers, flea markets and elsewhere. Just like any other fashion boutique, your vintage store could appeal to a specific audience—bet it people who are searching for fits from a specific decade, occasion wear, or rentable designer clothes.

Sustainable ecommerce businesses to learn from:

03. Car parts

The opportunity: The average car hasroughly 30,000 partsincluding all the nuts and bolts that keep it in one piece. And across both B2C and B2B segments, finding car parts online is becoming increasingly popular. Having already risen 11% from 2020 to 2021, light-duty automotive aftermarket sales are predicted to jump another 8.5% in 2022, reaching $356.5 billion, according totwo automotive associations.

The possibilities:To differentiate your business, considerselling car partsfrom specific categories, such as service parts, electrical parts, and interior or exterior parts. You could sell more complex components to mechanics, or sell hydraulic lift kits, neon light kits, and other accessories for DIY auto-enthusiasts.

ecommerce car part businesses to learn from:

04. Furniture and home decor

The opportunity: You don’t have to binge home shows on Discovery+ to cash in on the surging furniture market. Home decor sales are expected to grow to $805.75 billion by 2026, according toResearchandMarkets data.

The possibilities:Whether you’re a carpenter, interior designer, or reseller, turn your passion into a profitable business idea by learning how tosell furniture online. You could design, source, and manufacture your own products. Or, partner with a dropshipper to sell an array of ceramics, linens, and other home decor from around the world—without having to take care of storage of shipping yourself.

Artists, photographers, and graphic designers can tap into this segment too. Partner with a print-on-demand company to reproduce your work into stylish home goods.

Furniture ecommerce businesses to learn from:

05. Groceries and food

The opportunity: Online grocery has exploded in demand and usage over the past five years. An estimated 138 million US shoppers are online grocery users. In 2024 the value of online grocery shopping is set to exceed US$257 billion.

The possibilities:Convenience largely drives online grocery shopping. Be it to find a greater variety of foods, or to avoid hopping in a car to pick up groceries, consumers are increasingly turning to online stores to restock their pantries.

When you choose tostart a food business, it’s important to define a specific niche to reach out to. Offer vegetarian or vegan products, locally harvested, or organic foods. Or, sell foods that tailor to specific dietary needs (sugar-free, gluten-free, soy-free, etc.). Another option: sell gourmet items—like handcrafted chocolates, unique jams,or infused oils—that consumers can’t find in their local stores.

You may choose to manufacture your own food products from scratch but doing so can be difficult if you’re not familiar with how to develop, brand, and get the right approvals for consumable goods. Dropshipping is another good alternative. Just keep in mind that delivery times may be slower if you’re working with overseas suppliers.

Businesses to learn from:

06. Shoes

The opportunity:The global footwear market is expected to grow more than 10% annually through 2025, according toStatista data.

The possibilities:Shoes are a staple of everyone’s wardrobe, and while particular styles may rise or wane in popularity depending on trends or the time of year, footwear is always in demand. That’s why choosing tosell shoes onlinecan be a lucrative endeavor.

If you’re thinking about jumping into this industry, consider starting off by selling shoes geared towards a specific buyer segment, e.g., women’s shoes, men’s shoes, sneakerheads, or children’s shoes. Alternatively, you could offer specialty footwear designed for ballroom dancers, ballerinas, or construction workers.

Shoe ecommerce business ideas to learn from:

07. Jewelry

The opportunity:The jewelry industry is worth $229.3 billion in the U.S., according toCapital Counselor, and the online jewelry industry makes up a solid portion of that.Statistaadditionally reports that the global jewelry market is expected to reach $307 billion by 2026.

The possibilities:If you have the skills to create your own standout jewelry, or have a great eye for spotting trendy pieces, an eCommerce jewelry business may be right for you.

There are plenty of niches to pursue whenstarting a jewelry business, whether you decide to target a high-value or low-value market. You could handcraft niche products like diamond engagement rings or striking costume pieces that help consumers refine their look. Or, source fashion jewelry that mimics what’s on the catwalk, and dropship pieces from international suppliers or wholesalers.

Jewelry ecommerce businesses to learn from:

08. CBD products

The opportunity:Driven by expanding regulatory approvals, the CBD products market is expected to grow and reach $12.64 billion by 2026, according toResearchAndMarkets data.

The possibilities:CBD has been making waves in the health and wellness industry over the past few years. CBD can be found in everything from skincare products to pet treats—and it’s not uncommon to find CBD products in grocery stores across the country. Popular CBD products today include teas, lotions, salves, and drops.

If you want tosell CBD online, you’ll need to do plenty of research before you source, create, or dropship any products. You’ll need to comply with federal, state, and local laws, and FDA guidelines in the U.S., along with strict marketing and copywriting restrictions. Furthermore, you’ll need to identify a payment provider that works with CBD merchants. For more information, check out theFDA’s guidelinesor consult a lawyer.

CBD ecommerce businesses to learn from:

09. Beauty products

The opportunity:Overall sales for prestige beauty merchants are up 36.7% over the last two years.

The possibilities:The beauty industry keeps undergoing its own makeover, with niche markets finally getting the attention and support they’ve long deserved. Products for people of different ethnicities, organic beauty products for users with sensitive skin, and sustainable beauty products are among the top sub-markets.

If you’re ready tostart a makeup linein a space dominated by major players, you’ll need to focus on creating distinctive products. Stand out by offering high-quality products and white-glove customer service. Focus on what customers want: easy application, long-lasting and vibrant colors, and/or eco-friendly ingredients.

Beauty ecommerce businesses to learn from:

See Also

B2B vs B2C Sales: 10 Differences and 9 Similarities

10. Subscription boxes

The opportunity:Subscription ecommerce sales account for around 3% of the total market. Subscription sales in 2024 are expected to grow in line with general ecommerce sales projections.

The possibilities: If you have great products that are ideal for repeat purchases, then subscription boxes may be a good core offering or extension of your existing business.

Selling subscriptionsis lucrative and unlimited. For example, you couldstart a subscription boxfor just about anything: clothes, socks, pet toys, chocolate, coffee, children’s educational toys, luxury goods, makeup, home decor, meals, produce, and even puzzles. The great thing about a subscription business is that it offers you regular recurring revenue.

A helpful hint: consider targeting younger generations. More than one-third of millennials (34%) and one-fifth of Gen Z shoppers (22%) are currently trying and are likely to continue to use subscription services, according toGFK.

Subscription businesses and ideas to learn from:

11. Crafts and handmade products

The opportunity:Sales in arts and crafting sales are on track to reaching $9.9 billion by 2028, saysVantage Market Research.

The possibilities: Turn a personal hobby into a business byselling crafts online. There are manythings to make and selllike custom art or handmade jewelry. Or sell custom metalwork, pottery, and hand-knitted mittens. You could even learn tostart a candle business, which offers low startup costs and high profits.

Whatever it may be, make sure you choose a craft that’s sustainable and scalable.

There are multiple places where you can cash in on your crafts, including marketplaces like Etsy, an online store, or nichealternatives to Etsy. It’s recommended that you don’t solely rely on marketplaces where you lack control of the user experience and branding. Instead, create an online store that serves as the flagship destination for your brand, and expand to marketplaces for additional exposure.

Craft ecommerce businesses to learn from:

12. Plants and garden products

The opportunity:By 2027 the online plant market is expected to reach US$18100 million, meaning it would have doubled in value since 2021.

The possibilities:Turn your green thumb into profits byselling plants online. You could sell a variety of houseplants, tropicals, or succulents—three categories that accounted for the biggest growth in garden center sales in 2021, according toGarden Center Magazine.

If you’re targeting plant sales to specific age groups, don’t leave out millennials.Seven in 10 millennialsreportedly call themselves “plant parents,” and 40% of them say they’re looking to buy new houseplants (or should we say “plant babies”),

Plant focused ecommerce businesses to learn from:

13. Electronics and IoT devices

The opportunity: As of 2023 US$805 billion was spent on the Internet of Things technology globally. This was slightly lower than initial projections but still a growth.

The possibilities:Smart devices and advanced electronics add convenience to our on-the-go lives. That makes selling IoT products a top eCommerce business opportunity. Sell doorbell cameras, Wi-Fi controlled thermostats or other popular smart home devices. Alternatively, sell drones and drone accessories to real estate agents, wedding photographers, videographers, and Instagram influencers who now use them regularly.

If you’re technically savvy, you can design and manufacture your own IoT device. But if you’re not a techie, you can hire people to bring your idea to life or choose a dropshipper who will supply a range of low-cost electronics that you can sell.

IoT ecommerce businesses to learn from:

14. Mental health and wellbeing products

The opportunity:With more people making self-care a priority post-pandemic, the “wellness economy” has hit $4.4 trillion globally, with a growth rate of between 5% to 10% in recent years, saysSelazar.

The possibilities: Between weighted blankets, calming teas, and natural oil diffusers, there’s a large variety of products that you can consider selling in the wellness category. Products like acupressure mats, light therapy lamps, and meditation apps are growing in popularity as younger generations look to enhance their mental health and wellbeing.

If you choose to enter this field, be sure to emphasize any credentials or professional endorsem*nts that can build trust. Thoroughly explain how your products work and how they benefit the body in your product descriptions, and back up all claims with scientific evidence.

Mental health ecommerce businesses to learn from:

15. Wedding products and services

The opportunity: When brides-to-be and grooms-to-be brainstorm their perfect weddings, a growing number of them are jumping online for inspiration. According toApplied Analytics, the global wedding industry is expected to grow by 4.8% and reach $414.2 billion by 2030.

The possibilities:As more couples take their wedding registries online and search ideal locations for their destination weddings, the opportunity is ripe for eCommerce sellers.

Consider offering custom wedding signage or accessories, like centerpieces and guest books. Other product ideas: artificial flowers, handmade wedding gowns, bow ties, wedding guest favors, custom cake toppers, and more.

If you’re a super-organized person who works well under pressure, you could even offer wedding planning services virtually, in addition to selling products. Some eCommerce businesses cater to the entire wedding journey, from engagement to the honeymoon, in an effort to tap into a wider market.

Wedding ecommerce businesses to learn from:

16. Pet foods and products

The opportunity: In the U.S., 70% of households own a pet, according toAmerican Pet Products Association data. The global pet industry market is also expected to hit $261 billion by the end of 2022 and reach $350 billion by 2027, reportsStatista.

The possibilities: Finding a pet care niche to break into and curating related products could bring you plenty of bacon. Some online pet care brands have practically become household names, showing how much people love pampering their pets with carefully selected treats, toys, and cushy beds.

You might choose to take a practical path, sourcing durable toys for tough chewers, supportive beds, and joint supplements for dogs with hip dysplasia. Or, you might choose a more fun and playful route like beautiful pet kennels, decorative jackets, or training hoops.

You could design and manufacture new products to meet pet owners’ pain points or exercise your culinary skills by making delicious pet treats. Think about what niche is underserved and target that.

Pet ecommerce businesses to learn from:

17. Women’s health products

The opportunity: Increasing interest in healthy living is driving growth in the global health and beauty supplements market, which is expected to reach $84.8 billion by 2030, according toReport Linkerdata.

The possibilities: New women’s brands are popping up in every conceivable category, including vitamins and supplements, hair care tools, hair accessories, and size- and color-exclusive shapewear. Electronic gadgets for facial skincare are also among the top-trending women’s products.

Think, what could be your USP? What pain point do you want to solve and how can you do it better than the products already out there?

If you’re new to the women’s health space, note how women’s products have always had a “pink tax” associated with them, but quality hasn’t always measured up to the price. So, your brand could benefit from focusing on quality, as well as products made from eco-friendly, nontoxic materials.

Womens health ecommerce businesses to learn from:

18. Educational materials and courses

The opportunity:The global elearning market is forecast to hit $325 billion by 2025, nearly doubling in a decade, saysTechjury.

The possibilities: Whether you’re targeting parents looking for homeschooling aids or educators looking for schooling resources in science, math, and literacy, there are many sectors to tap into.

It pays to get creative and think outside the box, too. Kits teaching kids about cooking, astronomy, or a foreign language can take off just as quickly as a classic math kit.

Note that digital education isn’t limited to kids. Since the pandemic, adults across the world have had added time to take up new languages, hobbies, and interests. Digital products and courses are top-or-the-class in this market. Users want the freedom to learn through any device, whenever—and wherever—it suits.

Education based ecommerce businesses to learn from:

19. Baby products

The opportunity:Oh, baby. The market for infant toys, baby gear, and baby apparel alone is expected to grow to $13.61 billion by 2026, according to data fromTechnavio.

The possibilities:Many parents will spend a pretty penny on their little ones, which is why selling children’s toys, clothing, or accessories can be a profitable venture.

Some ways that you can differentiate your business: offer lower-cost products that cater to budget-minded parents. Or, sell sustainably made or heirloom-quality products that appeal to parents who are willing to pay extra for higher-end items.

In this market, word of mouth is powerful, so sharing customer reviews and providing social proof across your digital channels will help you grow your business. Wix stores that add third-party review apps see an average 10% increase in both overall sales and average order value within the first 60 days.

Baby focused ecommerce businesses to learn from:

How to choose an eCommerce business idea

With so many options for your business, how do you select which niche is best for you? Start by asking yourself these questions.

eCommerce business ideas FAQ