Alibaba.com, the B2B business unit of Alibaba Group and one of the largest global B2B trading platforms, has released the October edition of Alibaba.com B2B Pulse. The monthly report shares macroeconomic and Alibaba.com platform trading patterns in order to act as a leading indicator for the coming consumer and retail sales trends.

The Alibaba.com October B2B Pulse reveals that despite supply chain challenges and disruptions brought on by the pandemic, the construction and home renovation boom we’ve been seeing is not slowing down. From October 2020 to October 2021, US businesses have increased spending in the construction and real estate category by 44%.

The Alibaba.com October B2B Pulse platform data below.

Alibaba.com October B2B Pulse

Top rising categories from October 2020 to October 2021:

1. Commercial Service Equipment (up 101%)

a.                   Restaurant and Hotel Supplies (167%)

b.                   Trade Show equipment (308%)

c.                   Vending machines (231%)

1. Toys and Hobbies (up 92%)

a.                   Light-up toys (302%)

b.                   Outdoor toys and structures (113%)

c.                   Toy Animals (205%)

d.                   Toy vehicles, however, experienced a slight decline of 8%

1. Lights and Lighting (up 47%)

a.                   Holiday lighting (198%)

b.                   Indoor lighting (91%)

c.                   Smart Lighting is now amongst the most in-demand sub-categories within Lighting

1. Construction and Real Estate (up 44%)
2. Office and School Supplies (up 37%)

Biggest month-on-month movers from September 2021 to October 2021:

Increases

1. Holiday Lighting (83%)

Decreases

1. Tools and Hardware (-46%)