eBay Provides Summer Trends Insight For 2022

eBay has released an update from Jordan Sweetnam, the SVP & General Manager for eBay Americas where he provides insight into what eBay has been working on internally and what trends they are seeing across the marketplace.

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The big recent announcement from eBay is the eBay Vault which the company is clearly excited about following the recent resurgence in trading cards. Combining this with the launch of their first NFT partnership and the recent acquisition of KnownOrigin it is clear that eBay is keen to keep its finger on the pulse of the new wave of technology.

Aside from the latest developments in eBay tools, Jordan also provided some interesting insight into the trends that are taking place across the eBay marketplace right now. You can see the update from Jordan below:

The eBay Summer Trends 2022

“One of our greatest advantages is the sheer breadth of our inventory. Thanks to you, discovering countless extraordinary items on eBay happens every day. Earlier this month, we auctioned the epitome of tech nostalgia: an Apple-1 computer. Fully restored to its original working condition by The AAPL Collection and signed by its creator, Steve “Woz” Wozniak, it’s the first personal computer with a fully assembled motherboard and is believed to be one of a few still in existence.  

Along with home computers, Apple also revolutionized music, which is why the recent discontinuation of the iconic iPod was a bit bittersweet (fun fact: the original iPod was introduced in 2001, six years after eBay launched). Since the news, we’ve seen searches for iPods surge 372%. What’s more, sales for Apple computers during the same period spiked 240%. If history has taught us anything about consumer electronics, it’s to never underestimate the power of Apple’s product updates; as of September approaches (and so does their annual iPhone-centric event) we’ll be watching data on iPhones, iPads, watches, and laptops.  

Recharging 

In recent months, there’s been a ~200% increase in meditation apps and podcasts for education, entertainment, exercise and even sleep. Notably, 66% of people say audio helped them feel less alone over the past year. As people become more plugged into their apps and streaming content, it’s translating into more demand for refurbished audio items across the board.

Hot audio products include noise-canceling, Bluetooth / wireless headphones, and earbuds from Bose (an exclusive refurb partner with us) and Sony, plus Skullcandy’s Grind Fuel True Wireless Earbuds. For portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL and Soundcore join Bose and Sony in the trending mix, with Samsung Soundbar + Wireless Subwoofers and Rear Speakers also on the rise. 

On the flip side, gaming has never been more popular. Gen Z, in particular, uses video games as a way to escape and connect. Even as life returns to normal, gaming remains a form of entertainment that doesn’t involve passively staring at a screen.

Sony PlayStation 5 purchases are ticking up and the console is again a regular on our Top 20 keyword search list. Look beyond consoles and you’ll see gaming accessories are trending, like SteelSeries headsets and keyboards, Razer webcams, Elgato ring lights and panel LED lights, high-performance gaming RTX 3080 graphics cards, and power supply units (PSUs) like the Corsair RMx Series.  

Some of you may have heard of the metaverse – maybe it becomes the future, maybe it doesn’t. But sales of virtual reality headsets, like the Oculus Quest, are definitely rising. In fact, we’ve sold out weekly since refurbished availability launched in February!   

Unplugging 

While there are no escaping screens, there’s also been a resurgence of low-tech entertainment — in particular board games. Led by Monopoly, Jenga, Trouble, Connect 4, Sorry, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, The Game of Life, Uno, and Operation, we’ve seen an almost 82% spike in traditional tabletop activities since last year. 

Adding to its cult status, Monopoly recently announced the retirement of the T-Rex token piece, so those sets will no doubt become more coveted. If tabletop gaming isn’t big enough, demand for GIANT outdoor yard toys is on the rise again – think, jumbo Jenga and 4-in-a-Row games, pool floats, kites, bubble kits, and inflatable rocket ship and monster yard sprinklers.

Wrap up 

I’m encouraged that as customer trends change with the economy, eBay continues to be where people turn to find great savings on the items they want – whether refurbished or pre-owned. So don’t be afraid to try different products or categories as shoppers continue adjusting their online habits.

There is an incredible amount going on right now, but that’s kind of the constant theme of the last two years – nothing stands still and some months seem more challenging than others. I hope you’re taking care of yourselves, I hope your summer is off to a great start, and as always, thank you for selling on eBay! 

Jordan Sweetnam

SVP + General Manager, Americas Market”