From Etsy’s Merchandising Desk: Movement and Growth in June

marymary

Story by marymary

Published on May 06, 2009 in Seller Handbook

Photo by vintology

As the weather warms up and spring starts to hint at summer, we’d like to share our merchandising insights for June. We’ve been taking note of and appreciate your comments and suggestions from our merchandising series launch.  As we continue to plan Etsy’s calendar for the year ahead with thematic merchandising, we will be incorporating many of the concepts you shared in May’s report, and we will be looking for more of your input. It is our goal to create a healthy balance between promotions for traditional holidays, seasonal changes, and lifestyle trends.

Rounding Out May

The Merchandising Team is moving its calendar forward to welcome the summer and plan the fall. As we move through the month of May here in North America, we’re preparing for an important seasonal shift. You can feel it, sense it, almost touch it: it’s the scent of summer coming upon us. Gift giving for Mother’s Day will transition to Father’s Day, June weddings, and graduations. Also on our minds are the undertones of proms, international travels, and the summer soiree. Guess what? The big theme is “movement” and “growth.”

  • Throughout May our larger focuses will surround the promotion of Father’s Day and dads. Take this opportunity to introduce Dad to the world of handmade by finding a memorable gift that makes him smile. Look for a series of Gift Guides just for dads shortly after Mother’s Day. We will continue to promote Father’s Day across Etsy in the coming weeks.
  • Emphasized promotions around graduations will emerge in May and continue through June as we celebrate key milestones, accomplishments, and new journeys.
  • Spring plants will soon begin to flower, displaying the well-deserved rewards for dedicated gardeners. Fragrant herbs, handmade soaps, and appreciative note cards are inspiring reminders of La Primavera (spring).
  • We will also focus on the many wonderful items for pets that abound on Etsy.
  • The element of glass makes an appearance and takes a bow. Ancient glass-blowing techniques create a colorful, complex, and often transcendental sparkle as the sun peeks out.
  • The handmade spirit of France touches our Etsy hearts with VE Day on May 8th, our salute to the Cannes Film Festival May 13th, and the French Open on May 25th.
  • Color trends include sky blue, textured whites, mimosa, apricot, and eco-friendly shades of green.
  • Remember, emeralds glisten as birthstones for birthdays and babies in May, and May’s astrological signs are Taurus and Gemini (April 21 – May 20: Taurus and May 21 – June 21: Gemini).
  • As May continues, emphasized Category promotions will center around the Weddings, Housewares, Books and Zines, and Paper Goods.
  • We will also be emphasizing handmade tabletop settings, garden soirees, barbeques, and family get togethers as we approach Memorial Day weekend (May 25).
  • Promotional Opportunities for Sellers: We’ve planned two promotion-based Etsy Finds posts that will be sent out to our Etsy Finds mailing list in May. These Finds will center around gift ideas for graduation and Father’s Day. If you would like to to participate in our “graduations” promotional email, please read this forum thread. If you would like to participate in our “Father’s Day” promotional email, please read this forum thread.

Stay Engaged in June

Venturing into June, our larger themes will center around seasonal holidays, celebrations, summer travel, and relishing the outdoors. As we place an emphasis on outdoor and summer themes throughout June and the coming months, we will also intertwine appropriate seasonal themes for those around the globe approaching cooler weather.

  • The primary merchandising focuses throughout June will be an extension of our salute to Papa Bear, with Father’s Day on June 21st. We will also nod our hats to new graduates during this notable season for graduations.
  • Look for highlights on June weddings, Americana, folk art, nautical motifs, the art of collecting, garden parties, picnics, housewarming and hostess gifts, cultural events, travel-friendly toys, and bath and body.
  • We will continue our transition from indoors to outdoors, entertaining, play time, and the pursuit of new crafting hobbies.
  • Look for a few fun highlights in experimental jewelry design. Show some skin this season with handmade necklaces and summer fashion to dance a warm weather nights away.
  • Pearls come into play as June’s birthstone, and June’s astrological signs are Gemini and Cancer (May 21 – June 21: Gemini, June 22 – July 22: Cancer).
  • June’s emphasized Category promotions will center around Vintage, Geekery, Supplies, and Needlecraft.
  • We are planning a site-wide promotion opportunity for sellers in early July. This event will be a perfect time to clear out odds and ends, samples, and seasonal inventory as we all begin to gear up for the 2009 holiday season. Our plan is to make it playful, irreverent, and practical at the same time. Buyers enjoy opportunities to acquire something original and special at a good value. Stay tuned, as we’ll be releasing more details as we approach the summer.

If you’d like to stay engaged and involved with the approaching merchandising themes, interpret them in your own artistic voice. This can be translated within your listings, photos, shop announcement, descriptions, tags, titles, sales promotions and more. We’re excited to see your creative interpretations!

If you make items that would fit well with the seasonal themes outlined, try stocking up and listing them in advance to take advantage of potential shipping deadlines. Do you already have items in your shop that meld well? That’s great! Now it’s time to revisit those items to make sure your tags, titles, and descriptions reflect key words shoppers might be looking for this time of year. Don’t miss this important how-to all about SEO and your word choices for titles, tags, and descriptions. This is also a great opportunity to revamp your item photography with a new look, if you think they need some work. Check out some great how-tos for tagging and item photography to get started.

If your items fall under the main categories we’ll be highlighting this month, it might be a great time to consider purchasing a Category Showcase.  For those of you that enjoy making Treasuries, we’ll be looking to highlight lists that interpret June’s themes in a creative and cohesive way, as well as the many beautiful collections that we normally feature.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

  • June 6th – Drawing Day
  • June 8th – Queens Day – Australia
  • June 18 – Etsy’s 4th Birthday
  • June 19-21st – Aspen Food and Wine Festival – Aspen, Colorado
  • June 21 – Father’s Day
  • June 21 – Summer Solstice
  • June 22 – Wimbledon Tennis Championship – London
  • June 24th – St. Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec’s National Holiday)

Do you have a date to remember that you didn’t see on the list?  Let us know in the comments section below. We are currently working toward incorporating a more detailed calendar of international holidays into Etsy’s thematic merchandising plans, so we’re eager to hear which dates you would like to see included.

We’d like to hear from you!
We appreciate your support and look forward to your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below.  Lou is convo-friendly and available for questions, so if you have a specific one in mind he can be reached at lsagar.etsy.com. Please join Lou in a follow up session in our multi-user chat room, the Virtual Labs, at 2pm EDT on Friday, May 15, 2009.

View More Merchandising Posts | Gift Guides

Discuss: 113 comments

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  • Krystyna81

    Krystyna81 says:

    (yay for talbertart - I love that painting :) Thanks for the info! Must see what Drawing Day is...I like the sound of that!

    3 years ago

  • FlanneryCrane

    FlanneryCrane says:

    Thanks for keeping us informed. Looking forward to the warmer months ahead...

    3 years ago

  • opendoorstudio

    opendoorstudio says:

    awesome... great ideas! Cant wait to keep up the merchandising!

    3 years ago

  • HAREandDRUM

    HAREandDRUM says:

    reading attentively... I'll have a few things ready for Father's Day, and did somebody mention Needlecraft? Yay! Thank you, these are most useful articles!

    3 years ago

  • definitionofself

    definitionofself says:

    I love how Etsy admin keeps us updated as to the direction of the site. Thanks.

    3 years ago

  • LaveMeSoapCo

    LaveMeSoapCo says:

    Oh shoot I will be closed down to move :( I need to prepare for fall...

    3 years ago

  • yaelfran

    yaelfran says:

    drawing day... i love that!!!!

    3 years ago

  • pengpengs

    pengpengs says:

    thanks for the inside scoop! drawing day, i've never heard of that, but it's great!

    3 years ago

  • BrazanDesign

    BrazanDesign says:

    Thanks for the info!

    3 years ago

  • VintageEye

    VintageEye says:

    great marketing ideas...summer solstice...hmmmm!

    3 years ago

  • paperpatternsilk

    paperpatternsilk says:

    Lots of info here, thanks.

    3 years ago

  • girlscantell

    girlscantell says:

    yay, i've been plotting some father's day goodies for a while now. excellent!

    3 years ago

  • juliehammondart

    juliehammondart says:

    Summer is a great time for inspiration and time get together. Thank you for the information.

    3 years ago

  • Morado

    Morado says:

    very interesting. the more i get into this the more i realize Etsy has soooo much to offer. i need to make this my full time job :o)

    3 years ago

  • 4TheSparrowsNest

    4TheSparrowsNest says:

    Fascinating, as usual! A real insider's scoop on the mainstream selling highlights of Etsy. I'm always interested to see what new trends Etsians will come up with that aren't predicted here...

    3 years ago

  • magpiefelts

    magpiefelts says:

    Great article!

    3 years ago

  • modernbird

    modernbird says:

    This article is great, it will help me to set goals for the next month or so. Thank you marymary and Isagar! ~Laura

    3 years ago

  • SusanKJewelry

    SusanKJewelry says:

    Great info for upcoming months .....THANKS.

    3 years ago

  • odiliafu

    odiliafu says:

    Thanks for the update and all the details!! Great!!

    3 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    So much to look forward to!!! I can't wait!

    3 years ago

  • workingforpeanuts

    workingforpeanuts says:

    Thank-you! I'm sooooo inspired!

    3 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Thanks for the info!

    3 years ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    Thanks for the info alot absorb at one reading~ I'll back often to reread this article, again thanks~!

    3 years ago

  • MossRoseDesigns

    MossRoseDesigns says:

    Thanks for the insight -- very informative!

    3 years ago

  • worksandfinds

    worksandfinds says:

    Fantastic, thank you.

    3 years ago

  • DalkullanJewelry

    DalkullanJewelry says:

    Great picks, and informative article!

    3 years ago

  • oldworldprimitives

    oldworldprimitives says:

    Excited for the June highlights on folk art and the art of collecting!

    3 years ago

  • JazzGreen

    JazzGreen says:

    very informative; thank you...

    3 years ago

  • SewnNatural

    SewnNatural says:

    fantastic! i love these articles, they help us plan and consider well in advance, this is VERY MUCH appreciated. .. and thanks for featuring my twin Gemini monkeys in your article!!

    3 years ago

  • mykonos

    mykonos says:

    Thanks for the info!!

    3 years ago

  • recycledwares

    recycledwares says:

    really appreciate the heads up on the new marketing schemes and themes. great ideas!!

    3 years ago

  • vintology

    vintology says:

    this info has really pumped me up! thanks for the heads up and i look forward to growing with etsy through these awesome merchandise avenues.

    3 years ago

  • VintageinBohemia

    VintageinBohemia says:

    suddenly i'm hungry for fruit and sweet cream..

    3 years ago

  • sandali

    sandali says:

    Sounds like an action packed May & June -- HOERA !!

    3 years ago

  • curlyfrysc

    curlyfrysc says:

    Flag Day is June 14th.

    3 years ago

  • EviesToolEmporium

    EviesToolEmporium says:

    Excellent information! Thank you for the preview! Michelle-

    3 years ago

  • sakizome

    sakizome says:

    Looking forward to a great summer!

    3 years ago

  • simonewalsh

    simonewalsh says:

    8 June is actually the Queen's Birthday in Australia, not Queen's Day. Also there's no mention of the fact that it's not about to be summer for half of the planet. Any chance of some suitable marketing for the rest of us? Right now I'm looking to buy scarves, not 'show some skin'!

    3 years ago

  • beautifulbridget

    beautifulbridget says:

    Thanks so much for the heads up!

    3 years ago

  • CollectionObsession

    CollectionObsession says:

    Thanks for the great info. So much to think about. Happy birthday Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • twoknit

    twoknit says:

    Thanks for the information!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • VintageTwenty

    VintageTwenty says:

    I am happy to see that Vintage will be included in June's emphasized category promotions.

    3 years ago

  • mullishmuse

    mullishmuse says:

    experimental jewelry sounds nifty

    3 years ago

  • sherrytruitt

    sherrytruitt says:

    What great plans, thanks for sharing them. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to read this again to absorb it all.

    3 years ago

  • Revisions

    Revisions says:

    Definitely good information for all shop owners to use... I do agree with simonewalsh, It would be good to consider the international crowd too and include the seasonal needs of the other half of the planet... It could be a fun contrast play on seasons.. Hot vs. Cold, Hibernation vs. Reemergence... might be a cool marketing gig.

    3 years ago

  • monkeyandsquirrel

    monkeyandsquirrel says:

    stoked! this has got me very excited for the coming months! oh also... love the hot rod above. quite nice!

    3 years ago

  • belovedbaglady

    belovedbaglady says:

    Yay...can't wait for the vintage feature stuff!!! Hopefully I'm in there somewhere!

    3 years ago

  • galit

    galit says:

    Thank you for all the info... will work on that!

    3 years ago

  • bethanyjbowman

    bethanyjbowman says:

    Sweet...drawing day? I LOVE IT! *clicks yes on drawing day site*

    3 years ago

  • anakim

    anakim says:

    Thanks for all the info!

    3 years ago

  • lilimandrill

    lilimandrill says:

    Thanks for including my tenniswoman! I can make custom drawings based on a photo: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22430887 And also in other sport suits! You can see the results of custom order in my flickr gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilimandrill/sets/72157616178240788/ See you soon! Lise

    3 years ago

  • lilimandrill

    lilimandrill says:

    Oh and i am happy to see that may is an hot month for FRANCE! (VE Day, Cannes Film Festival, French tennis open,... GREAT!

    3 years ago

  • eclipse

    eclipse says:

    June 14- flag day June 16- Bloomsday http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomsday June 19- Juneteenth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth June is National GLBT month (and many cities have their GLBT pride parade in June) June 14: Los Angeles pride parade June 28th: New York, San Francisco pride parades June 28 2009 is also the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. (1969) It would be great to see some rainbow themed front pages in June, Etsy.

    3 years ago

  • BlackStar

    BlackStar says:

    Sounds great! Yay summer~

    3 years ago

  • babook

    babook says:

    it`s too much good to listening from here i was got it more of Etsy ; )............

    3 years ago

  • ModernMetalJewelry

    ModernMetalJewelry says:

    Good information for the coming months!

    3 years ago

  • SomewhatHip

    SomewhatHip says:

    wow, this is the first time I've seen a post like this in the Storque - it's really nice that Etsy is sharing these themes, it inspires a lot of ideas for new items.

    3 years ago

  • Furiousdreams

    Furiousdreams says:

    Marking Drawing Day on my own calendar~ Fantastic to see some fine art on this posting. And great to have the trends identified ahead. Thank you, admin team!

    3 years ago

  • jilldrapermakesstuff

    jilldrapermakesstuff says:

    eclipse said: June is National GLBT month (and many cities have their GLBT pride parade in June) June 14: Los Angeles pride parade June 28th: New York, San Francisco pride parades June 28 2009 is also the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. (1969) It would be great to see some rainbow themed front pages in June, Etsy. I agree!

    3 years ago

  • DAINTYCROCHETBYALY

    DAINTYCROCHETBYALY says:

    Looking forward for the season ahead! I am into color already! :=) I am having fun, playing with bright colors and fun designs... Summer is intoxicationg!! Have a great season everyone. Thanks for all the updates, great to get inspired.. :-)

    3 years ago

  • zombuki

    zombuki says:

    New color trends sound fab, looking forward to Summer with Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • marymaryAdmin

    marymary says:

    Thank you for your feedback and thoughtful comments, we are keeping track and taking notes. Your date suggestions are helpful and informative. Rainbow front pages in June seem like a must from all angles...fabulous idea. While this article's focus surrounds the seasonal shift into summer, we do hope you read the following from the article: "As we place an emphasis on outdoor and summer themes throughout June and the coming months, we will also intertwine appropriate seasonal themes for those around the globe approaching cooler weather." Etsy is absolutely a global marketplace and we are excited to highlight appropriate items and themes that have a global appeal. Thanks so much for the tip about it being time to look for scarves as cooler weather approaches in your area. Please keep your comments and feedback coming!

    3 years ago

  • HerenciaVintage

    HerenciaVintage says:

    thanks for the info some new categories sound exciting like drawing and dads.

    3 years ago

  • norakaren

    norakaren says:

    I love the new colors and trends...color move my life and it is constant inspiracion...I'm working on it, also drawing day,sounds fantastic,I didn't know that day existed. June 21st is also the beggining of summer in many places and a great opportunity to display designs related to the beach ,probably to outdoor sports like surf,tennis and many others and why not a barbeque! Lovely!Sounds like fun...

    3 years ago

  • dreadsandcurls

    dreadsandcurls says:

    Wonderful tips for planning purposes. I have some apricot in the store already, time to add some tennis whites!

    3 years ago

  • bellasparty

    bellasparty says:

    Thanks! Love the ring with silver, gold and pearl!

    3 years ago

  • StudioCherie

    StudioCherie says:

    Excellent article, and thanks for the opportunities to participate in the Etsy Finds emails.

    3 years ago

  • Morrigan

    Morrigan says:

    To add to Eclipse's comment, Washington DC Gay Pride Parade Saturday, June 13th, 2009 Baltimore Gay Pride Saturday June 20, 2009 A rainbow-themed front page here and there would be a very good idea.

    3 years ago

  • SimpleTraditions

    SimpleTraditions says:

    Lots of great pics!

    3 years ago

  • KalliopeJewelry

    KalliopeJewelry says:

    Thank you for this article, and for all your hard work in merchandising! Great support and help for us sellers!

    3 years ago

  • ToScarboroughFair

    ToScarboroughFair says:

    Great article, great pictures. The "American in Paris" is super!

    3 years ago

  • labonnefemme

    labonnefemme says:

    Made a Victory day treasury in memory of my papa! thought you might like to take a look! Thank you etsy for great ideas and great marketing! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56953

    3 years ago

  • MissMotleys

    MissMotleys says:

    Definately something for gay pride. It will get a lot of views.

    3 years ago

  • Waterrose

    Waterrose says:

    Thanks for the headsup!

    3 years ago

  • peaseblossomstudio

    peaseblossomstudio says:

    You forgot that June 21st is also Maria Thomas' birthday. And MINE!! :-)

    3 years ago

  • TianaCHE

    TianaCHE says:

    Thank you so much for the article and for the information! Stunning pics

    3 years ago

  • DanceInMyGarden

    DanceInMyGarden says:

    Great article! Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • sweetbriarstudio

    sweetbriarstudio says:

    What a great service you provide! I'm slowing discovering all of the help and info out there for us sellers. And I SOOOoooo appreciate you taking care of a good portion of the marketing side. Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • capitolagirl

    capitolagirl says:

    Great insight about the upcoming areas of focus. I'm really looking forward to see the experimental jewelry finds that you come up with, and I'm stoked to see that one of your summer-themes is going to include Geekery! Thanks for the info.

    3 years ago

  • briefmoments

    briefmoments says:

    Thanks so much for the info on June! Really wonderful article.

    3 years ago

  • mylittleaura

    mylittleaura says:

    Very interesting all this info...thanks! Now back to work

    3 years ago

  • paperandsparkles

    paperandsparkles says:

    thanks ! lots to think about there !

    3 years ago

  • littlemoandfriends

    littlemoandfriends says:

    thanks alot for sharing this info, really good read! cheers!

    3 years ago

  • IlluminatedPerfume

    IlluminatedPerfume says:

    Really love these merchandising pieces, really helps with the focus. Also appreciate the world view too. Thank you Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • twoknit

    twoknit says:

    July 9th is Indepence Day in Argentina. Remember is Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks, Martha

    3 years ago

  • twoknit

    twoknit says:

    Sorry, is Independence Day!!!!

    3 years ago

  • PhineasandLou

    PhineasandLou says:

    This is great! I love the themes and how beautifully they are described :)

    3 years ago

  • MelroseFields

    MelroseFields says:

    Can't wait for the garden party treasuries...

    3 years ago

  • EviesToolEmporium

    EviesToolEmporium says:

    Excellent! Looking forward to May and June! Thank you! Michelle-

    3 years ago

  • millcreekcottages

    millcreekcottages says:

    Thanks for sharing this information.

    3 years ago

  • VIviansRomeo

    VIviansRomeo says:

    What a great article! Love the insight into the new color buzz words. Themes are great as it gets those wonderful creative juices going in yet another direction!

    3 years ago

  • rougeriverbeads

    rougeriverbeads says:

    I'm so excited to see some supplies on the table for June! Also don't forget Canada Day on July 1st! As always looks like there are plenty of great things coming up.

    3 years ago

  • allisajacobs

    allisajacobs says:

    I really appreciate all of this information. This article has got me excited for the months & celebrations ahead!

    3 years ago

  • limitz

    limitz says:

    What an interesting article! Drawing day is definantly on my list! and so are bridesmaids little girls dresses.. which leads me to Shavuot Holiday celebrated in Israel on the 28th of May, a festive holiday when we all dress white, eat lotsa cheese..., and JERUSALEM DAY, celebrated in Israel this year on the 21st of May.

    3 years ago

  • bijougirldesigns

    bijougirldesigns says:

    Great article - and very inspiring! If you do a pearl gift guide next month, I have a few things that would fit right in! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24299844

    3 years ago

  • SMIRNOFFdesignSTUDIO

    SMIRNOFFdesignSTUDIO says:

    GREAT ARTICLE! THANKS FOR SHOWING US THE RIGHT DIRECTIONS FOR JUNE.

    3 years ago

  • jemmetals

    jemmetals says:

    Mmm pearls and experimental jewelry, right up my ally. I love early summer, especially after such a long winter here in Michigan!

    3 years ago

  • brownbunnybyiris

    brownbunnybyiris says:

    Thanks for all the good information!

    3 years ago

  • AREjewellery

    AREjewellery says:

    June 4-7th - The European Elections! The whole of the EU goes to the polls! Quite an important event I would say.

    3 years ago

  • Fishstikks

    Fishstikks says:

    I love the idea of drawing day! Thanks for all this great information!!

    3 years ago

  • Enuwbe

    Enuwbe says:

    It is fun to add the summer selections, however, nice to know we should keep our long sleeves listed. Thanks for all the heads up, I have had so much fun working with these fun themes. Thank You!

    3 years ago

  • lilipadcreations

    lilipadcreations says:

    Great article! Great having some suggestions to think about as we create, too, not just having in mind things we have in stock!! June is also the month that school finishes and we head into summer camp (for those of us with school aged kiddos!!) that might be a cool theme, supplies for camp...lunch bags, smocks, soap with nat bug repellents.... Thanks again for a great article!

    3 years ago

  • bazketmakr

    bazketmakr says:

    I love having tips and information like this. Thanks so much for putting it all together! You guys are fabulous!

    3 years ago

  • themefragrance

    themefragrance says:

    thanks for the event reminders..

    3 years ago

  • MelroseFields

    MelroseFields says:

    I love the garden party idea. So many items on Etsy for a uniquely decorated outdoor party, garden, roof top, stoop...anywhere!

    3 years ago

  • papermusedesigns

    papermusedesigns says:

    Don't forget - June 21 is National Aboriginal Day in Canada!

    3 years ago

  • maclancy

    maclancy says:

    I love the picnic idea and am sooo ready to picnic! thanks for the info in helping us make Etsy a better place to merchandise and shop! happy summer!

    3 years ago

  • Sybillinart

    Sybillinart says:

    lots of ideas to work on ; Thank you ...

    3 years ago

  • AmourAmi

    AmourAmi says:

    Thank you for all the info... will work on that!

    2 years ago

  • eclipse

    eclipse says:

    Marymary said: "Rainbow front pages in June seem like a must from all angles...fabulous idea." well it is now Pride weekend and there has not been one Storque article or front page that I have seen celebrating gay pride month.

    2 years ago

  • pasin

    pasin says:

    Great article. Thank you

    2 years ago