The Funnel

Which retail searches are trending under social distancing and work from home conditions.

It can be hard to keep up with changing consumer behavior during coronavirus times.

Under normal circumstances, retail searches could be compared with data from 2019 and earlier years to get a picture of what people are likely to search for.

But these aren't normal times. Social distancing measures and work from home policies make 2020 a year that's different from all others.

How to keep up with the changes if your a business that works in retail.

This is where Think With Google can help.

Think With Google recently came out with a new tool that provides live, interactive data on trending retail categories. The data can be broken down a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

As Google puts it themselves:

"Use this interactive tool to understand fast-rising retail categories in Google Search, the locations where they’re growing, and the queries associated with them."

We tried the tool ourselves and it is a goldmine of data on consumer behavior. To give you a better sense of the tool, we break down the latest trending retail categories for this past month in April/May 2020.

So far, the tool only shows data for the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Unfortunately Europe and other key eCommerce markets aren't available yet.

Top Ten Trending Retail Categories in USA

Let's take a look at monthly data for the United States. The coronavirus has been affecting countries around the world since the start of 2020. The United States has been affected more than any other country, with the most cases and deaths in the world.

Social distancing measures have been in place for a couple of months now. Most companies have gone to remote work policies. School has been out for universities and high school, middle school and elementary school combined.

It's safe to say that most families are spending significantly more of their time cooped up inside at their computers, on their phones or behind a TV screen.

Moreover, it is the month of May and summer is just around the corner. That means dreams of good weather, being outdoors and enjoying nature have been put on hold for many Americans.

So under these conditions, what are the top trending retail categories in Google Search? Let's take a look.

1. Golf Bag Accessories (+200%)

Imagine the surprise then that the number one trending retail category in Google right now in May are searches related to golf bag accessories. It looks like despite the social isolation measures, people are still logging to get out there and golf. Top specific queries include:

1. golf push cart (100)
2. golf pull carts (31)
3. clicgear 4.0 (14)

2. Sprinkler Accessories (+200%)

The second highest trending retail category are searches related to sprinklers, which makes sense as the gardening season begins and gardening is an activity Americans can do from the comfort of their homes while observing social distancing measures. The top searches include:

1. sprinkler valve (100)
2. rachio 3 (56)
3. orbit sprinkler valve (40)

3. Swimming Pools (+200%)

As the summer gears around the corner, searches for inflatable pools are up. Families will obviously not be headed to the neighborhood pool anytime soon to observe social distancing measures, so the best they can do is build their own in their backyards.

1. above ground pools (100)
2. swimming pool (69)
3. intex pool (52)
4. pool (50)
5. inflatable pool (41)

4. Sneeze Guards (+200%)

Plexiglas displays, more commonly known as sneeze guards, are in demand as businesses in several states begin reopen and quarantine measures are eased.

1. sneeze guards (100)
2. sneeze guard for desk (21)
3. sneeze guard amazon (15)
4. acrylic sneeze guard (13)
5. sneeze guard for counter (13)

5. Evaporative Coolers (+200%)

Of course, hotter weather means searches for air conditioners are up, specifically swamp coolers which are designed to keep humidity out and the air crisp and cool.

1. swamp coolers (100)
2. evaporative cooler (43)
3. arctic air ultra (32)
4. small portable air conditioner (17)
5. cooling fan (15)

6. Water Parks & Slides (+200%)

Similar to inflatable pools, searches for water slides are up as families cannot visit the local water park or pool. Under such a situation, building your own water slide at home is the solution.

1. inflatable water slide
2. inflatable water park
3. slip and slide
4. slip n slide
5. water park

7. Outdoor Umbrella & Sunshine Accessories (+200%)

This category makes sense as the weather warms up and people stay home. Searches for patio umbrellas, umbrella stands and anything to shande people from the sun are trending right now.

1. umbrella base
2. patio umbrella stand
3. outdoor umbrella stand
4. patio umbrella base
5. umbrella lights

8. Party Streamers & Curtains (+200%)

The Islamic holiday of Ramadan takes place from April 23rd to May 23rd and searches related to this holiday are up in the United States for Americans celebrating. This year, ramadan takes place under quarantine times, which means traditional evening meals that are taken in company will have to be done alone. There were also increased searches for graduation yard signs related to high school and college students graduating this time of the year.

1. ramadan mubarak
2. ramadan kareem
3. graduation yard signs
4. birthday yard signs
5. ramadan decorations

9. Fresh Cut Flowers (+200%)

Mother's Day took place this month and the traditional gift to give to mothers is flowers, so this trending search is in line with previous years.

1. mothers day
2. flower delivery
3. mothers day gifts
4. flowers
5. mothers day flowers

10. Vehicle Boat Racks (+200%)

Finally, searches related to transporting boats are up as boating season begins. Taking the family out on a boat ride is an activity that can be enjoyed while respecting social distancing, so it is natural that these searches are up.

1. kayak rack
2. kayak roof rack
3. kayak rack for car
4. thule kayak rack
5. yakima kayak rack

Other Trending Retail Searches

Those were the top ten trending retail categories taking place this month. But Google's tool gives you much more. To make things easier for you, we put together the top 100 trending retail categories in Google Search right now for you to look at.

11. Candied & Chocolate Covered Fruit: chocolate covered strawberries, sherries berry

12. Greeting & Note Cards: happy mothers day, happy mothers day images, happy birthday

13. Pool Covers & Ground Cloths: solar pool cover, pool covers, hot tub cover

14. Pool Liners: pool liners, how to level ground for pool, pool liner replacement

15. Roller Skates: roller skates, impala skates, moxi skates

16. Outdoor Furniture Sets: patio furniture, outdoor furniture, backyard ideas

17. Outdoor Storage Boxes: outdoor storage, deck box, outdoor storage bench

18. Ice Crushers & Shavers: snow cone machine, snow cone, shaved ice

19. Paddleboards: paddle board, inflatable paddle board

20. Porch Swings: porch swing, patio swing, outdoor swing

21. Pool Skimmers: pool skimmer, pool net, skim a round

22. Wakeboarding: wakeboard, zup, wakesurf board

23. Sprinklers & Sprinkler Heads: sprinkler system, irrigation system, rain bird

24. Tortilla & Flatbread Makers: tortilla press, tortilla maker, roti maker

25. Outdoor Tables: picnic table, patio table, outdoor side table

26. Kayaks: kayak, kayaks for sale, fishing kayak

27. Skin Care Masks & Peels: the ordinary, ordinary, the ordinary peeling solution

28. Outdoor Grill Covers: grill cover, weber grill cover, blackstone griddle cover

29. Motor Boats: pontoon boat, yacht, boat

30. Vehicle Bicycle Racks: thule bike rack, yakima bike rack, bike rack hitch

31. Plant Cages & Supports: tomato cage, garden stakes, tomato trellis

32. Garden Hoses: silver bullet hose, garden hose, soaker hose

33. Frozen Drink Makers: margarita machine, daiquiri shop, margaritaville machine

34. Greeting & Note Cards: happy mothers day, happy birthday, happy mothers day cards

35. Life Jackets: life vest, infant life jacket, kids life jacket

36. Pet Hair Clippers & Trimmers: dog clippers, dog grooming clippers, dog grooming kit

37. Outdoor Grills: blackstone griddle, blackstone grill, weber grills

38. Cultivating Tools: hoe, garden tools, garden hoe

39. Plant Stands: plant stand indoor, outdoor plant stand, plant shelf

40. Pool Heaters: above ground pool heater, solar pool heater, electric pool heater

41. Bicycle Trailers: bike trailer, bike trailer for kids, instep bike trailer

42. Canopy & Gazebo Accessories: pergola covers, pergola canopy, menards products

43. Garden Borders & Edging: landscaping ideas, landscape design, landscape edging

44. Bicycle Child Seats: baby bike seat, child bike seat, toddler bike seat

45. Grass Edgers: sod cutter, edger, ditch witch

46. Slides: slides, little tikes slide, playground slide

47. Landscape Pathway Lighting: solar lights, outdoor lights, outdoor solar lights

48. Landscape Fabric: how to protect plants from frost, landscape fabric, garden mats

49. Necklaces: mother's day 2020, mothers day gifts, mother's day gifts

50. Spas: inflatable hot tube, hot tub, spa, jacuzzi,

51. Lattice: lattice panels, lattice fence, home depot lattice

52. Weed Trimmers: weed wacker, stihl, weed eater

53. Garden Arches, Trellises, Arbors & Pergolas: pergola, trellis, pagoda

54. Bricks & Concrete Blocks: pavers, retaining wall blocks, patio pavers

55. Hammock Parts & Accessories: hammock stand, diy hammock stand, portable hammock stand

56. Pool & Spa Filters: hayward, pool filter sand, pool filter

57. Canopies & Gazebos: gazebo, canopy, canopy tent

58. Kitchen Utensil Sets: kitchen utensils, kitchen tools, cooking utensils

59. Bicycles: bicycle, mountain bike, bike shop near me, womens bike

60. Hammocks: hammock, eno hammock, neck relief hammock

61. Vehicle Storage Covers: jet ski, jet ski for sale, sea doo

62. Deep Fryers: air fryer, ninja foodi grill, ninja air fryer

63. Hedge Trimmers: stihl hedge trimmer, ryobi hedge trimmer, electric hedge trimmer

64. Trampolines: trampoline, outdoor trampoline, trampolines for sale

65. Pet Training Sprays & Solutions: how to potty train a puppy, how to potty train a dog, feliway

66. Bicycle Helmets: bike helmet, giro, mountain bike helmets

67. Sandboxes: sandbox with cover, turtle sandbox, little tikes turtle sandbox

68. Griddles & Grill Pans: grill pan, korean bbq, comal

69. Food Mixers & Blenders: mixer, kitchenaid mixer, ninja blender

70. Bicycle Saddles: bike seat, bicycle seat, comfortable bike seats

71. Hair Shears: hair scissors, thinning shears, hair shears

72. Sunscreen: elta md sunscreen, sunscreen, sun bum

73. Bicycle Brake Parts: tektro brakes, bike brakes, paul components

74. Cookware Sets: pioneer woman, hexclad, ayesha curry

75. Air Conditioners: portable air conditioner, portable ac, window air conditioner

76. Kayak Accessories: kayak seat, pelican kayak accessories, boonedox landing gear

77. Awnings: retractable awning, patio covers, awning

78. Concrete Molds: stamped concrete, stamped concrete patio, quikrete walkmaker

79. ATVs & UTVs: atv for sale, polaris, side by side

80. Mosquito Nets & Insect Screens: magnetic screen door, magic mesh, mosquito net

81. Pool Floats & Loungers: canopy island, pool accessories, pool games

82. Marine Speakers: wakeboard tower, boat speakers, wet sounds

83. Cupcakes: cupcakes near me, mothers day desserts, mothers day cupcakes

84. Canoes: canoe for sale, old town canoe, pirogue

85. Air Conditioner Accessories: evaporator coil, air conditioner cover, portable ac window kit

86. Bicycle Bags & Panniers: bike accessories, bicycle accessories, mountain bike accessories

87. Projection Screens: projector screen, outdoor projection screen, outdoor movie screen

88. Boat Trailer: trailer, kayak trailer, used trailer for sale

89. Pool Sweeps & Vacuums: pool vacuum, dolphin pool center, above ground pool vacuum

90. Neck Gaiters: gaiter scarf, buff headwear, foco

91. Bicycle Seatposts: dropper post, pnw components, cane creek

92. Sailboats: boats for sale, used boats for sale, catamaran

93. Bath & Body Gift Sets: spa gift baskets, knack, gift boxes for women

94. Woks: wok, discada, carbon steel wok

95. Fireplaces: fire pit, propane fire pit, bonfire

96. Pool Cleaners & Chemicals: pool supplies, in the swim, pool supplies near me

97. Bug Collecting Kits: painted lady butterfly, insect lore, butterfly kit

98. Golf Cart: golf carts for sale, golf cart, used golf cart

99. Pet Nail Tools: dog nail grinder, paw perfect, dog nail clippers

100. Row Boats: jon boat, fishing boat, inflatable boat

You can play around with Google's tool here.

Need a better way to target these searches in your Google Ads and get more conversions? Try out our SKAG tool here.