From Etsy’s Merchandising Desk: Open Air Adventures in May

marymary

Story by marymary

Published on Apr 10, 2009 in Seller Handbook

Photo by ralfg08

As the weather continues to improve and signs of spring are sprouting, we’d like to share our merchandising insights for May. 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 April’s report, and we will be looking for more of your input. It is our goal to create a healthy balance intermingling promotions between traditional holidays, seasonal changes, and lifestyle trends.

Rounding Out April

We just adore La Primavera. Themes surrounding early spring, Easter, kids, pets, the Slow Food movement, and eco-friendly items have generated a wonderful response.

  • Throughout the balance of April, our larger focuses will surround the promotion of Mother’s Day, a popular holiday for gift giving. We’ve launched a series of Gift Guides just for moms and will continue to promote the holiday site-wide in the coming weeks.
  • Slow Food and Art of Slow lifestyle themes remain on our minds. We are interested in highlighting a global movement, embracing a greater appreciation for art, vintage, crafting, and handmade. Stay tuned for more posts and articles on the topic planned throughout the remainder of April.
  • Spring Gift Guides will introduce our focus on graduations, proms, spring fashion finds, and our take on alfresco (moving from the indoors to the outdoors).
  • Diamonds come into play as April’s birthstone, and May’s astrological signs are Aries and Taurus (March 21 – April 20: Aries and April 21 – May 20: Taurus).
  • As April commences, emphasized category promotions will center around the Plants and Edibles, Pets, Glass, and Toys main categories.

Stay Engaged in May

As we dive into May, our larger themes will center around moving from the indoors to the outdoors. As we place an emphasis on outdoor and spring themes throughout May and the coming months, we will also intertwine appropriate seasonal themes for those around the globe approaching cooler weather.

  • We start the month with a tribute to the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd, with southern traditions, dresses, hats, equestrian themes and toasting with mint juleps. Soon after, bright colors and celebrations surrounding Cinco de Mayo will set the mood for the month.
  • May brings a continued focus and extension of our wedding and graduation themes, which will culminate at the end of the month. We will also be inviting you to get your hands dirty as horticultural and gardening themes continue to come into play.
  • We continue our transition from indoors to outdoors, entertaining, play time, and the pursuit of new crafting hobbies. With Memorial Day nearing, we’ll celebrate the art of an outdoor barbecue and spending time with close family and friends.
  • We’ll be extending our coverage of artful glass, our featured material throughout May.  Look for emphasis on the Glass Category, and articles surrounding what makes this timeless material such an important role in everyday art.
  • Emeralds come into play as May’s birthstone and May’s astrological signs are Taurus and Gemini (April 21 – May 20: Taurus, May 21 – June 21: Gemini).
  • May’s emphasized category promotions will center around the Weddings, Housewares, Books and Zines, and Paper Goods Categories.
  • As we look ahead, mid-month you will start to notice highlights centered around Father’s Day and all that goes with Papa Bear.

Stay involved with the approaching merchandising themes by interpreting 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. 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 May’s themes in a creative and cohesive way, as well as the many beautiful collections that we normally feature.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

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.

View More Merchandising Posts | Gift Guides

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  • jessjamesjake

    jessjamesjake says:

    great finds!! bring on the heat : )

    3 years ago

  • dogties

    dogties says:

    Wow, how exciting!! Wonderful items.. Rock on Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • Whatsupyoursleeve

    Whatsupyoursleeve says:

    So many wonderful opportunities to look forward to.

    3 years ago

  • VintageEye

    VintageEye says:

    Great ideas! Squirrel love even!

    3 years ago

  • travellingcircus

    travellingcircus says:

    Lovely...thanks so much for all the info!

    3 years ago

  • zombuki

    zombuki says:

    You reminded me, I really need to reprint my haiku zine! (where did I leave my proof?) Airstream Bird House = True

    3 years ago

  • tannerglass

    tannerglass says:

    Can't wait to see all these ideas come to life!

    3 years ago

  • jamieribisi

    jamieribisi says:

    Cool-- keep in mind that Spring means COLOR!!!! :)

    3 years ago

  • thestapeliacompany

    thestapeliacompany says:

    Thanks for the themes heads up! I may have to make something Kentucky Derby related...

    3 years ago

  • PhineasandLou

    PhineasandLou says:

    Awesome! I was waiting for this...you guys are so on top of things. Your focus has a way of making me fall in love with the possibilities for each listing and theme. Great job :)

    3 years ago

  • EpicBones

    EpicBones says:

    thanks for the dates to remember. i need to get my schedule in order and focus this spring!!

    3 years ago

  • enchantingimages

    enchantingimages says:

    themes are good, thanks for this post. and i love that bird feeder featured. fantastic!

    3 years ago

  • scavengerhunt

    scavengerhunt says:

    Wow so much information. This is great. I learn new things from you guys everyday. Thanks! I mean really Thanks

    3 years ago

  • maiziedesigns

    maiziedesigns says:

    This is a very informative article and I love that the French Open Championships is included in the important dates!

    3 years ago

  • Mattamorphis

    Mattamorphis says:

    Those squirrles are adorable. -Matt

    3 years ago

  • Karmacrochet

    Karmacrochet says:

    Great themes! Keep going! :-)

    3 years ago

  • makemesmile

    makemesmile says:

    It's great to see the international holidays calender taking shape. Thank you so much!

    3 years ago

  • BabbidgePatch

    BabbidgePatch says:

    Great upcoming outdoor themes ~ Staying engaged into June ~ from a Gemini :)

    3 years ago

  • breadandroses

    breadandroses says:

    Great help in seeing the forest as well as the trees! Thanks.

    3 years ago

  • thedirtyhousewife

    thedirtyhousewife says:

    I love the bicycle pendant!

    3 years ago

  • zwzzy

    zwzzy says:

    ready for the May flowers!

    3 years ago

  • workingforpeanuts

    workingforpeanuts says:

    Your marketing articles always give me new inspiration. Some of these dates and themes I would've never come up with! Thanks all!

    3 years ago

  • worksofwhimsy

    worksofwhimsy says:

    That willow playhouse is amazing! I'll be watching for the Toys category promotions for the rest of April.

    3 years ago

  • JustGrannylyn

    JustGrannylyn says:

    That is SO cute! I've never seen one like that!

    3 years ago

  • blackbirdtees

    blackbirdtees says:

    So happy to see that the Cannes Film Festival made the list!

    3 years ago

  • uncharted

    uncharted says:

    thanks for the updates...

    3 years ago

  • novadesigns

    novadesigns says:

    thank you for the update! I can't wait until summer gets here!

    3 years ago

  • ScottieinaCanoe

    ScottieinaCanoe says:

    I totally want one of those Dreaming Spires Willow playhouses!!!

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    great to see those global dates!! thank you

    3 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    I love the squirrel wedding topper!

    3 years ago

  • Heathered

    Heathered says:

    sometimes i forget that i can buy jams and jellies on etsy! thanks for the reminder!

    3 years ago

  • polarity

    polarity says:

    I LOVE, LOVE this new series! Don't forget Earth Day when rounding out April!

    3 years ago

  • GemmaBeads

    GemmaBeads says:

    Fun topic! I am really looking forward to more time outdoors! Spring is my favorite season. May have something to do with being a Taurus or just being cooped up, in out of the cold and snow for so long. That birdhouse is fantastic!

    3 years ago

  • beckybrocato

    beckybrocato says:

    The Merchandising Desk is such a great idea! It really does help to have a direction to work in when looking for ideas/inspiration.

    3 years ago

  • PipocaHandmade

    PipocaHandmade says:

    Thanks for keeping us abreast of all the themes and holiday celebrations that we can take part in on Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • FeltedChicken

    FeltedChicken says:

    Awesome! My mind's crank'n away with new ideas!!!

    3 years ago

  • SimpleTraditions

    SimpleTraditions says:

    I love the picnic tank!

    3 years ago

  • taylorseclectic

    taylorseclectic says:

    May is one of my favorite months. It will be interesting to see these new marketing ideas come to fruition and I look forward to seeing the themed variety on the front page!

    3 years ago

  • sandali

    sandali says:

    Looking forward to the upcoming months -- know that all our Etsians are in good hands !! It's always fun in the sun ;)

    3 years ago

  • HAREandDRUM

    HAREandDRUM says:

    Great ideas, taking notes... Oh, and now I want a mint julep. :)

    3 years ago

  • patspottery

    patspottery says:

    This is great. I am bookmarking this and will start to work on some pottery to fit the different themes and holidays.

    3 years ago

  • TheCottageCheese

    TheCottageCheese says:

    Ooh, looking forward to a lot of these "themes", particularly the continuing wedding articles, garden and cookout articles, alfresco, and the Kentucky Derby.

    3 years ago

  • Fancy0Frances

    Fancy0Frances says:

    Spring means flowers! Hooray! Lots of fodder for my photography!!!! Fancy0Frances.etsy.com

    3 years ago

  • wickedchilddesigns

    wickedchilddesigns says:

    I love Bettsy Kingston ruffle pants !! The cutest pants down under ! Teneale xo

    3 years ago

  • SusanFaye

    SusanFaye says:

    Here is a great date to remember in June: Drawing Day http://www.drawingday.org/index.php A great opportunity to support and promote art

    3 years ago

  • DappleGrey

    DappleGrey says:

    awww wow some really cute items found.

    3 years ago

  • sunbasilgarden

    sunbasilgarden says:

    Incredibly helpful!!! Thanks so much for sharing this information with us. Got to love Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • mietteLove

    mietteLove says:

    Great advice! Thank you Etsy. Oh and I really love that birdhouse...and the playhouse? Oh my! I got way to excited about those when I saw them for the first time the other day!

    3 years ago

  • ToxicInk

    ToxicInk says:

    Wow! Thanks for including me in this great collection!

    3 years ago

  • Signs

    Signs says:

    I have some sign ideas for some pet themes. interesting pics!

    3 years ago

  • jenhintz

    jenhintz says:

    The Indianapolis 500 is on Sunday 5/24, and the events leading up to the big race last through the entire Month of May. There really is a whole subculture surrounding this extended event. As if that weren't enough, NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 race is later that same day in Charlotte, NC. For us race fans, it's a very busy and festive day. It would make a great theme for that day... think about it!

    3 years ago

  • AliBaliJewellery

    AliBaliJewellery says:

    Brlliant guide as ever, I start thinking about some new products now!

    3 years ago

  • stringmealong

    stringmealong says:

    May 24th - Victoria Day, a Canadian holiday.

    3 years ago

  • HugsandHolidays

    HugsandHolidays says:

    Great article! This sounds like me...Celebrate Everything! Life is too short.

    3 years ago

  • AlyTheRed

    AlyTheRed says:

    I want to live in that playhouse! I was intrigued enough to visit her lovely website. The original willow play house she designed for her daughter is a must see! Sweet find!

    3 years ago

  • GenuineArticle

    GenuineArticle says:

    Love the Taurus pins from PureVintageGold! :)

    3 years ago

  • rozzie

    rozzie says:

    After seeing the totally taurus buttons, I want a couple LEO ones for myself! :P

    3 years ago

  • wickedminky

    wickedminky says:

    yay diamonds, faux diamonds!!

    3 years ago

  • Timeless

    Timeless says:

    I hope you start promoting May NOW, and not wait until it's actually May. You might as well skip promoting anything to do with April if you want buyers to find and buy items related to the theme... Oh, and May 1st isn't just Labour Day in France, but all over Europe. You might also want to include Lei Day (Hawaii), and the Pagan May Day holiday or Walpurgisnacht. But that's only two weeks-and-a-bit from today. If I want to promote and sell and get the item to my customer in time, they have to find me NOW, not in two weeks....

    3 years ago

  • HeyButtons

    HeyButtons says:

    Thanks for the update, May should be interesting!

    3 years ago

  • angelstuff

    angelstuff says:

    There's a typo - this statement is incorrect: "Diamonds come into play as April's birthstone, and May's astrological signs are Aries and Taurus (March 21 - April 20: Aries and April 21 - May 20: Taurus)." It should read "Diamonds come into play as April's birthstone, and ****April****'s astrological signs are " (asterisks added for emphasis) --- As Timeless mentioned, in order to give buyers (especially international buyers) enough time to receive their May-related items, you should be promoting May right now instead of waiting two weeks. Maybe keep an eye on the timing of big retail giant's promotions? That might help you determine when to start promoting a particular theme.

    3 years ago

  • FrucciDesign

    FrucciDesign says:

    Just a little side note, May 1st is labour day in many countries in Europe and Mexico too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Day while Mother's day is not everywhere the 10th of May, for example Argentina celebrates it on the 18th of October and UK on the 22nd of March: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day The Italian open tennis (Rome masters)is generally held in April/May http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_Masters

    3 years ago

  • morgansilk

    morgansilk says:

    Speechless, here, and that seldom happens. Cannot get my mouth around words when I am laughing this loudly....

    3 years ago

  • violetjulia

    violetjulia says:

    I'd like to see more forethought -- could we see the focus for the site more than just two weeks ahead of the month starts? Maybe it would help to pare down the monthly dates and themes to focus on to 4-6, so that the message is clearer. For instance, I like the astrological buttons featured but to feature astrological signs as a "larger theme" of each month seems pretty trivial.

    3 years ago

  • angelstuff

    angelstuff says:

    The typo's still there.... any other business would have fixed it. I guess these comments aren't important to etsy, or else they would, say, fix a silly typo. Or rethink this "marketing" scheme.

    3 years ago

  • NattyMichelle

    NattyMichelle says:

    Thanks for the date reminders! The items you posted are fabulous!

    3 years ago

  • ovgilliesdesigns

    ovgilliesdesigns says:

    Thanks a lot for the article - great to have all this information! Yep, it would be nice to have more international dates for special events/holidays someplace on Etsy that is easily accessible. Until this year I didn't realise that all of you in US have Mother's Day in May - here in UK we had one in March. Little things like that.... :D

    3 years ago

  • ripperarts

    ripperarts says:

    Thanks for the information!

    3 years ago

  • lindesigns

    lindesigns says:

    Great article - thanks for the heads up. Oh you did forget one date on your calendar - My Birthday is in May :) LOL

    3 years ago

  • CreasolMosaic

    CreasolMosaic says:

    Only to point out, May 1 is Labor Day all around the world, except in USA.

    3 years ago

  • dorijenn

    dorijenn says:

    Awesome article and series! Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • rockfern

    rockfern says:

    Thanks for this article - I'm sure it will help a lot of Etsyians out with their own promotions.

    3 years ago

  • PardonMyVintage

    PardonMyVintage says:

    Alright, Derby time! Can't wait ;-)

    3 years ago

  • KisforCalligraphy

    KisforCalligraphy says:

    And don't forget Arbor Day!

    3 years ago

  • SandraHealy

    SandraHealy says:

    None of this makes much sense for my business. Everything has dropped since this merchandising idea started, so it seems the idea is getting results which presumably are positive for some people.

    3 years ago

  • NestaHome

    NestaHome says:

    I'll have to agree with Sandra on this one!

    3 years ago

  • seb8351

    seb8351 says:

    As someone pointed out on 4/13 There's a typo - this statement is incorrect: "Diamonds come into play as April's birthstone, and May's astrological signs are Aries and Taurus (March 21 - April 20: Aries and April 21 - May 20: Taurus)." It should read "Diamonds come into play as April's birthstone, and ****April****'s astrological signs are " (asterisks added for emphasis) ------------------- It's 4/22 today.

    3 years ago

  • thegoodlifedesign

    thegoodlifedesign says:

    Great items!

    3 years ago