The home and garden supplies industry is flourishing with a global CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2028.

The growth of this market is especially striking in the U.S., where the sector valued at $272 billion in 2020 in the U.S. continues to soar each year.

But what’s fueling this growth?

Studies reveal that more than half (55%) of U.S. households engage in gardening activities which is why the lawn and garden sector has hit an impressive revenue milestone of $129.30 billion in 2023.

Moreover, the consumption patterns show that more and more people are leaning towards online platforms for sourcing home improvement and gardening products.

This is why the online revenue of home improvement and gardening in the U.S. reached $10.9 billion in 2019.

This key statistic reflects the industry’s growth trajectory for retail and wholesale businesses.

Top Categories in the Home and Garden Niche

This segment includes products that enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces including:

• Furniture: Sofas, benches, tables, chairs, beds, bookshelves, consoles, etc.
  
• Home Decor: Wall decor, textiles, lighting, decorative accessories, furniture, plants, humidifiers, wall hangings, clocks, artwork, etc.
  
• Kitchen & Dining: Dining tables, chairs, kitchen islands, bar stools, tableware, cutlery, drinkware, placemats, kitchen towels, pot holders, kitchen organizers, etc.
  
• Bedding & Bath: Bed linens, comforters, quilts, bedspreads, blankets, towels, bath mats, shower curtains, bathroom accessories, etc.
  
• Patio, Lawn & Garden: Patio furniture, outdoor rugs, garden benches, umbrellas, planters, outdoor lighting, fire pits, hammocks, bird feeders, garden statues, lawn ornaments, garden tools, etc.
  
• Home Appliances: Vacuums, food processors, juicers, blenders, irons, steamers, etc.
  
• Cleaning & Storage: Cleaning tools (brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners), cleaning solutions (all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants), laundry supplies (detergent, fabric softener), trash cans, storage containers, shelving units, closet organizers, etc.
  
• Kids’ Furniture & Decor: Kids beds, study desks, toy storage, themed bedding, playful rugs, wall hangings, room organizers, etc.
  
• Heating, Cooling & Air Quality: Air conditioners, heaters, fans, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, thermostats, etc.
  
• Seasonal Decor: Items and decorations used during holidays and seasons, such as Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
  

Demographic Preferences of the Buyers

When considering the demographics of buyers for home and garden supplies, it’s important to note that the preferences may vary based on factors like age, location, lifestyle, income level, etc.

However, here’s what a report says:

During the second quarter of 2022, the largest group purchasing home and garden products online was Millenials, followed by Gen Z(Statista).

They show a greater interest in indoor plants and urban gardening. In contrast, baby boomers and Gen X are likely to prefer shopping in-store and they tend to spend more time on outdoor gardening.

This means that your target audience is largely people from the 18-40 age group.

Trends in the Home and Garden Supply Industry That You Should Be Aware Of

There are some noteworthy trends in the industry that can be leveraged to perform better in the market.

Rise of tech-enabled homes

The rise of tech-enabled or ‘smart’ homes is presenting numerous growth opportunities for retailers and wholesalers.

It’s a great time for you to expand your product line.

By offering smart home products like automated lighting systems, smart locks, security cameras, thermostats, etc., you can appeal to the tech-savvy customer base and boost sales.

Gaming furniture for gamers and tech geeks

To cater to the growing community of gamers, there is a rising trend in creating immersive and comfortable gaming experiences at home.

This includes ergonomic chairs and desks, as well as gaming accessories that ensure comfort during extended hours of gameplay.

So, the growing demand for gaming furniture allows for higher price points and profit margins compared to standard furniture.

By stocking products that cater to gamers’ specific needs, you can attract more customers and drive lucrative returns.

DIY home decor and improvement

The internet has revolutionized the way people approach home improvement projects.

With so many blogs, and online tutorials on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, available over the internet—individuals are more inclined to do home decor and gardening on their own instead of seeking professional assistance.

As more people engage in DIY projects, the demand for various materials, tools, and kits is increasing. For businesses dealing in this segment, this is a great opportunity for higher sales volumes.

Also, when it comes to DIY, you can benefit from cross-selling or upselling. For example, a customer purchasing wallpaper for home decor might also need adhesives, smoothing tools, etc.

Classic items

There has been a noticeable trend in the popularity of vintage-inspired furniture, décor as well as classic garden flowers and plant varieties.

While these items have a perception of higher value due to their timeless elegance, selling them in your store will bring you decent profit margins.

Sustainability in the Industry

The awareness about sustainability is increasing with the passage of time.

This is why people have become more conscious about investing in eco-friendly products to reduce their carbon footprint.

Keeping this in mind, people are:

• Buying supplies made up of recycled materials.
• Opting for energy-efficient appliances and devices for their home and garden.
• Using water-saving products in their garden (such as low-flow irrigation systems, rain barrels, and drip irrigation).
• Embracing organic gardening practices by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
• Looking for products that are labeled as sustainable, such as those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for wood products.
• Investing in high-quality and durable home and garden supplies that are built to last.
• Choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
• Getting creative with repurposing items that they already have.
• Implementing proper waste management practices in their garden and living spaces to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
  

Legal & Regulatory Guidelines

Selling goods within the ‘home and garden supplies’ segment requires adherence to several legal and regulatory standards in the U.S.

1. To market your garden products as ‘’organic,’’ they should contain at least 95% organic content as per the standards set by the USDA.
   
2. If you plan to sell nursery stock (outdoor plants) and seeds, make sure you’re aware of the state’s regulations.
   
   For example, in California, a permit is necessary whereas in Florida, a license by FDACS is required for the distribution and sale of nursery stock. Moreover, in New York, registration with the Division of Plant Industry is mandatory for all plant sellers.
   
3. The pesticides sold or distributed in the US must be regulated at the federal level by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Tips on How to Market and Sell Bulk Home and Garden Products Online

Here are some tips on how to market your products effectively:

Tip # 1: Use High-Quality Photos

Use high-resolution product images to help potential customers visualize the products and make informed purchase decisions.

Tip # 2: Write Captivating Product Descriptions

Write detailed and valuable product descriptions that provide information about the features, benefits, and possible applications of your products.

Use persuasive language to entice the reader to buy your products.

Tip # 3: Leverage Social Media

Use social media platforms like Facebook and Pinterest to showcase your products and influence the purchasing decisions, particularly of millennials and Gen Zers.

According to Pinterest, 85% of weekly users have made a purchase from Pinterest pins.

So, by observing trending pins related to home decor and gardening, you can specifically target these demographics with tailored marketing content.

Tip # 4: Join an Online Wholesale Marketplace

Listing your products on popular online wholesale marketplaces is a strategic move to increase your business’s reach and visibility.

Since these digital platforms operate 24/7, they encourage customers from different time zones and geographical locations to discover your products easily.

Tip # 5: Engage with Your Existing Customers

Ask your existing customers to leave reviews and testimonials on your online profile or website.

The more positive reviews you’ve, the more likely it is that potential customers will choose your products over those of your competitors.

Also, this social proof will significantly enhance your business’s reputation.

Tip # 6: Make Use of Paid Advertising Campaigns

Consider investing in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or LinkedIn Ads.

They help you reach a specific demographic or audience segment.

This requires targeting keywords that your potential customers might use when looking for products you deal in such as “wholesale home and garden supplies” or more specific terms like “indoor plants for wholesale,” “bulk gardening tools,” etc.

Tip # 7: Remember, Happy Customers = Happy You!

Provide excellent customer service, respond promptly to inquiries, and offer assistance throughout the buying process.

Happy customers are more likely to recommend your products and make repeat purchases.

Top Home and Garden Wholesale Stores in the U.S.

Here is a list of wholesale home and garden supply stores in the U.S.:

Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies

Main products: Plants, seeds, bulbs, gardening tools, and equipment

VG Supply Company Inc.

Main products: Fertilizers, pesticides, soil, and garden accessories

HJS Wholesale Ltd.

Main products: Garden furniture, decorative items, and plant care supplies

Melrose International

Main products: Stylish home décor items including furniture, lighting, wall art, etc.

Recherche Furnishings, Inc.

Main products: Sustainable indoor furniture and outdoor garden pieces

Open Road Brands

Main products: Wall art, gifts, and functional home decor items