Consumer sentiment data
Europe
Consumer sentiment in Europe remains cautious, according to a survey by McKinsey & Company. Many respondents plan to reduce spending on discretionary categories, opting for more affordable alternatives and adjusting the quantity of goods they purchase. However, there are notable exceptions: consumers anticipate splurging on summer holidays, apparel, footwear, and beauty and personal care products. Additionally, seasonal trends are driving increased spending on home improvement and gardening supplies — a pattern typical for spring and summer [1].
The US
McKinsey & Company’s findings reveal a mixed outlook among U.S. consumers. While optimism about the national economy persists, spending intentions remain restrained. Gen X and Gen Z respondents plan to cut back on apparel, footwear, and electronics but increase their budgets for travel. Across all age groups, consumers intend to spend more on home improvement and gardening supplies. Interestingly, more than half of millennials — regardless of income level — intend to splurge on travel and jewelry. [2]
Asia-Pacific
Consumer sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region varies significantly by country. Australians are notably optimistic, with plans to increase spending overall. In China, Gen Z consumers show a surge in optimism, while older generations remain cautious about non-essential purchases. Indian respondents display a strong willingness to splurge across all categories. Meanwhile, in Japan consumer behavior remains stable, though many are trading down to private labels instead of big brands. South Koreans, on the other hand, demonstrate steady optimism and a readiness to adapt to new economic conditions. [3]
Key dates in summer
June 21 — Father’s Day
This international holiday is meant to honor dads and other fatherly figures for their love, guidance, and hard work.
July 4 — Independence Day (US)
This US holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the end of British rule.
September 1 — Back to School
It’s not exactly a holiday in most countries, but still a major opportunity to promote school supplies and related products.
What’s in demand
Wedding supplies
According to the survey conducted by The Knot [4], a major wedding planning portal, the wedding season in the US starts in early summer and lasts till mid-fall. A lot of couples choose to tie the knot in summer because fine weather allows outdoor ceremonies and receptions. In other countries, it may differ depending on the local climate: in Brazil, for example, weddings are quite evenly distributed throughout the year because there are no extreme temperature variations [5]. In Mexico and India, summer months are too hot, so couples prefer other seasons [6].
For many people, a wedding is a grand event that requires much effort and investment. According to the study by the online wedding planner Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2025 comprises $36,000 in the US. [7] Soon-to-be-married couples are eager to splurge on attire, decor, catering, tableware, entertaining, and fine little details such as invitations and place cards. Besides, retail stores dealing in wedding supplies often come to eBay in search of wholesale lots.
Popular items:
- Embellished shoes
- Jewelry sets
- Venue decorations
- Personalized invitations and stationery
- Tableware and glassware
- Centerpieces and table decor
- Gifts and gift boxes
Goods for summer travels
For many eBay buyers, the hot summer months are the time to get away from urban hustle and explore new places. This is especially true for families with children, because there are no classes and school-related stress during vacations. You can cater to the needs of summer travelers by offering them durable stylish suitcases and other travel essentials: swimwear, sunglasses, small-size toiletry kits, power banks and first-aid kits. For those who prefer to travel by car, you can provide roof boxes, car racks, and travel electronics such as GPS navigation devices.
Popular items:
- Suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags
- Beachwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen products
- TSA-approved toiletry kit
- Portable chargers
- Travel gadgets
- Roof boxes and car racks
Father’s Day Gifts
This holiday presents a great opportunity to promote a vast variety of items as “the perfect gift for dad”. Many gift shoppers browse eBay looking for prompts and ideas, so your special offer or ad campaign could be just what they are looking for! Help potential buyers find your items by including searchable key phrases in listing titles and descriptions.
Popular products:
- Neckties, cufflinks, personalized accessories
- Gadgets and tech-related products
- Outdoor and sports gear
- Hobby supplies
- Auto accessories
- Shaving kits and other self-care products
- Toolkits
- Apparel
Party supplies
Summer brings comfortable temperatures that are perfect for outdoor revelry. Birthdays, graduation parties, family reunions, and other celebrations require quite an assortment of goods, so eBay sellers can use this opportunity to drive sales during the low season. Use Promoted Listings and social media to reach the audience of enthusiastic party planners, and don’t forget about summer holidays such as Father’s Day (June 21) and Independence Day (July 4).
Help your buyers find something special to organize memorable and enjoyable events. Hospitable hosts often come to eBay searching for banners, garlands, backdrops, tableware, drinkware, and entertainment supplies. They are more likely to choose you over competitors if you offer better value for their money using discounts and volume pricing.
Popular items:
- Cocktail kits
- Fairy lights
- Outdoor dining sets
- Disposable tableware
- Cake stands and toppers
- Selfie props
- Decor: garlands, banners, lanterns, balloons
- Party games and activities
Outdoor recreation
During the long summer break, families use their spare time to embrace summer sports and recreational activities together. You can capitalize on the seasonal demand by offering sports gear, such as bicycles, hiking and camping equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and other gear that is required for active leisure. To attract more attention to your inventory, create compelling promo banners with summer adventures imagery.
Popular items:
- Outdoor games sets and equipment
- Water activities gear: inflatable rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.
- Bicycles and cycling accessories: repair kits, helmets, bike lights
- Scooters, rollerblades, skateboards
- Sports apparel and footwear
- Tents and other camping gear
- Beach products: sun shelters, portable coolers, etc.
Garden and patio
This category usually experiences a surge in demand in spring, but it remains popular in summer as well. Homeowners browse eBay looking for outdoor furniture, decor, and lighting, eager to create their own backyard oasis. One of the most popular subcategories is patio furniture: lounge chairs, hammocks, dining sets and other elements of comfort. Garden enthusiasts are also ready to splurge on decorations such as solar-powered lighting, wind chimes, statues, and decorative planters. Help buyers turn their yards into inviting retreats for relaxation and entertainment.
Popular items:
- Patio furniture: dining sets, water-resistant sofas, lounge chairs
- Outdoor cooking: barbecue grills, smokers, fire pits
- Garden decor: lanterns, wind chimes, sculptures
- Gardening tools and equipment
- Hammocks and swings
- Outdoor rugs and pillows
- Planters and pottery
Independence Day supplies
Though this holiday is celebrated primarily in the United States, eBay sellers from around the world can benefit from catering to the needs of American consumers. Independence Day traditions include magnificent parades, concerts, fairs, patriotic-themed clothing and accessories, family reunions and barbecues. Offer your buyers Volume pricing on family purchases.
Popular products:
- American flags
- Patriotic-themed party supplies and home decor
- Barbecue grills
- Picnic sets and accessories
- Camping gear
- Clothes with the US flag print
- Fireworks and related items
Swimming pools
Hotter temperatures make everyone strive for the refreshing bliss of a personal swimming pool — especially those who have their own patch of land and want to turn it into a relaxation paradise. For eBay sellers, it’s an opportunity to drive sales by offering all kinds of popular solutions: fancy in-ground pools, affordable above-ground pools, small inflatable pools for children, chemicals, maintenance kits, and all kinds of accessories: inflatable slides, ladders, floats, etc.
Popular items:
- Above-ground pools
- In-ground pools
- Inflatable models for kids
- Pool chemicals and cleaning supplies
- Maintenance and repair kits
- Pool accessories: covers, ladders, etc.
School supplies
As summer comes to an end, the Back to School season begins. For families with children, this period is a big shopping time because every kid needs to get ready for the upcoming school year. Don’t miss your chance to tap into this audience by offering discounts, special offers and special bundles, or launch eye-catching ads with Promoted Stores that drive interested buyers to your eBay store. If you have a social media page, connect with potential buyers by posting useful tips and checklists with links to your items.
Popular products:
- Stationery
- School clothing and footwear
- Educational gadgets (such as laptops and tablets)
- Schoolbags
- Sports clothes and footwear
- Planners
- Storage solutions
Tips from an experienced seller (video)
eBay seller Shari Smith shares tips on how to maintain a successful summer while simultaneously gearing up for the holiday season (33:33)
As you embark on the summer sales journey, it’s crucial to understand your buyers’ needs, desires and concerns. Curate your product offerings strategically and use the promotion tools available on eBay to stand out against competition. If you need insights and inspiration before the summer season, use Product research to see what sells best and at what price.