It’s December, which means now feels like the right time to review everything that happened this year - both inside Sonder Sky and the outside impacts as well.
The Not-So-Great Parts
Thankfully, there weren’t many issues! I mean there are the usual problems that almost all small businesses face such as increasing competition from all the new awesome businesses that started this year, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.
It was interesting to note that mask sales dropped off this year. I wonder if that’s due to more and more places ‘opening up’ and it becoming more socially acceptable to go out sans masks, or if people simply still like wearing the ones they bought last year? I still wear the masks I got last year too, so it wouldn’t surprise me.
In terms of designs, I’ve also seen a trend away from galaxy prints. Back when I first created Sonder Sky, the galaxy prints were the most popular sellers, but it seems times have changed. Never fear though, I’ll still keep the ones I already have in the store - even if they aren’t as popular anymore, I still think they look great and they still are some of my favourites.
What Goes Down, Must Go Up
With galaxies on the way out, it looks like classical art is on the way in! My most sold design this year by far was Great Wave: Kanagawa Night. With so much amazing classical art out there, I’m sure I’ll have one or two more classical additions to my store soon.
There was also a whole wave of new products this year, including:
Pet Products (think bandanas, food bowls, and mats)
New t-shirt styles including Ringer and Boxy cuts
and many more!
Overall, there was a lot of expansion at Sonder Sky this year. The world continues to change, and with these changes, it’s interesting to see how it impacts every aspect of life. We see online about the larger impacts that have happened due to the pandemic and all the other world events this year, but it’s still fascinating seeing the ripple effects on smaller scales as well. Back in 2019, I would never have imagined that not only would I be selling masks, but that they would become one of the most popular products. This year, it was surprising to see mask sales declining, as socks became the best-selling product this time around.
I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen next year, and how you will change things. Everything I have written about today has been driven by you the customers. When sales of a design go up, or down, that’s you telling me what you like. So thank you for all your support, and for making my year that much more interesting. Here’s to 2023!
Hummingbirds Pet Bandana, seen here modelled by a very good dog.