As cross-border e-commerce platforms grapple with soaring traffic costs and intensifying competition, a growing number of sellers are turning to direct-to-consumer (DTC) gift brands as a more profitable and sustainable alternative. Unlike traditional marketplace models, independent gift stores—built via platforms like Shopify or Shoplazza—allow merchants to engage consumers directly, bypassing platform fees while cultivating brand loyalty.
The Untapped Potential of Vertical Gift Commerce
The global gift market continues to expand, with Statista data underscoring rising demand for personalized and customized offerings. DTC models excel in capturing niche audiences through agile product development, tailored customer experiences, and data-driven marketing. By operating independent stores, sellers gain full control over user data—a critical asset for refining product assortments and optimizing retention strategies.
Industry analysts note that gift categories particularly benefit from DTC’s emphasis on storytelling and emotional engagement, factors that drive higher repeat purchase rates compared to utilitarian goods.
Upcoming Trade Event Signals Market Momentum
The 27th Shanghai International Gifts & Premium Fair in 2026, slated to occupy 80,000 square meters, will spotlight innovations in the sector. Such events provide cross-border sellers with valuable insights into emerging trends and supply chain opportunities.
For Chinese merchants, the shift toward DTC represents a strategic opportunity to build globally competitive gift brands. Success hinges on differentiated product design, operational precision, and service excellence—elements that collectively enable sellers to carve out sustainable niches in the cross-border landscape.