Niche vs Generalist Closet
When it comes to reselling, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to build a niche closet or take a more generalist approach. A niche closet focuses on a specific category, style, or customer—like vintage denim, boho dresses, or Y2K fashion—creating a clear brand identity and attracting a loyal buyer base. A generalist closet, on the other hand, offers a wider range of styles and sizes across multiple categories, from men's hoodies to kids' shoes to women's handbags. Both strategies have their pros and cons, and in this post, we’ll explore which one might be the best fit for your goals, lifestyle, and inventory access.
Niche Closet Advantages
Niche closets tend to perform better
Builds brand recognition faster
Easier to attract repeat buyers
More focused marketing on social media
Could make sourcing easier since you know what you’re looking for an can ignore everything else
Can become very knowledgeable in your niche and know what sells and what doesn’t
More authority in SEO
Niche Closet Disadvantages
Limited on items you can source
Could experience seasonal lows, depending on the niche (ex. swimwear or formalwear niches)
Sourcing can be slower and more competitive
Limits experimentation in testing new trends
You will pass on profit
Niche vs Generalist Quiz
Instructions: Choose the answer that most closely reflects your style of reselling. Tally your answers at the end to see your results.
1) When sourcing inventory, I...
A) get excited to hunt for very specific styles, brands or categories I specialize in
B) like to browse everything and grab whatever looks profitable
2) My sourcing environment is...
A) limited - I’m in a small town, or sourcing options are narrow
B) robust - I have access to lots of inventory types regularly
3) I feel most confident listing items when...
A) I know the category well and can speak to style, pricing, trends and keywords
B) I’m open to researching new items - I enjoy variety and the challenge of learning on the go
4) My current closet aesthetic is...
A) consistent - most of my listings follow a similar vibe, color palette or category
B) a mix - I sell anything from Lululemon to cowboy boots to vintage mugs
5) When it comes to marketing my closet or sharing on social media...
A) I like having a specific aesthetic - it makes my brand more cohesive
B) I’d rather just post what’s new and popular, no need to stick to a theme
6) My long-term goal is to...
A) be known for something specific and maybe build a brand or social presence around it
B) maximize profit across categories - even if it means switching niches often
7) Seasonal shifts in trends and demand...
A) are easier for me to handle when I’m deep in one niche - I know how to prep for them
B) don’t worry me - I’m always selling across multiple categories anyway
RESULTS:
Mostly A’s - You’re Built for a Niche Closet
You’re focused, intentional and probably already gravitate toward certain styles or categories. A niche closet will help you build brand recognition, attract repeat buyers and streamline your process. Dive deep into what you love and become the go-to seller for it.
Mostly B’s - You Thrive as a Generalist
You’re adaptable, love variety and have strong sourcing opportunities. A generalist closet gives you flexibility and room to pivot with the market. It’s perfect for sellers who want to explore trends, experiment with pricing and move volume across multiple categories
Split Results?
You might consider a blended closet - one where you lean into a niche or two for branding and marketing purposes, but still allow room for profitable one-offs. It’s the best of both worlds while you figure out your long-term style.
Finding Your Niche
If you’ve decided that a niche closet is right for you, here are some tips for finding your niche.
What styles/brands do you already know or love?
Choosing a niche you already know and/or have a passion for will prevent you from having to start at Square 1 to learn about your niche/brands within your niche
What styles/brands are going to be easy to source?
Consider where you will be sourcing from. If you will be sourcing locally, what brands/styles do you commonly find?
Check your sales history. What items sold fastest or produced the highest profit?
Tips for a Generalist Closet
Having a generalist closet provides flexibility, versatility and creative freedom. You don’t need to limit yourself and you don’t need to pass on interesting or profitable items because they don’t fit a certain style or vibe. Here are some tips for curating a generalist closet.
Organize your closet by category or buyer type (ex. denim, activewear, business casual, petite)
Use SEO strategically, as it needs to work harder for a generalist closet.
Leverage bundling (if you offer discounts, promote them in your listings and bio)
Look for patterns over time and see what sells best. This will lead you to identify items, brands and styles that perform better so you can prioritize sourcing these items, even if you don’t niche down your closet
Whether you choose to niche down or embrace the flexibility of a generalist closet, the key is building a strategy that fits you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - just consistent effort, smart SEO and a little creativity!
If you would like to discuss the best option for your reselling situation, book a Strategy Call!