Grow Your Revenue with these 10 Lessons for Expanding Beyond Shopify onto E-Commerce Marketplaces

Expanding your new apparel brand from just Shopify into major marketplaces can unlock millions of new customers and boost your credibility. Amazon alone sees over 60% of its sales come from independent sellers (mostly small businesses) (25 Essential Amazon Statistics to Know in 2025 - North One), and platforms like Walmart.com and Target Plus offer huge audiences with less competition. The good news: even as a small U.S.-based brand, you can get onto these growth channels. This guide breaks down the requirements and a roadmap of best practices to help you succeed on Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, and Target Plus.

Marketplace Entry Requirements at a Glance

Before diving in, it’s critical to understand what each marketplace looks for in new sellers. Here’s a quick overview of minimum requirements and acceptance criteria for Amazon, Walmart, and Target:

• Amazon (Seller Central & Brand Registry): Amazon’s marketplace is open to businesses of all sizes – there’s no minimum revenue or SKU count required to start selling. Even individual entrepreneurs can sign up for a Seller Central account and list products. The main requirements are, providing: 
• valid business/personal identification 
• bank account
• tax information
• Paying a small monthly fee for a Professional seller account (if you plan to sell >40 items/month). 
• Amazon’s apparel category is generally ungated (no special approval needed to list clothing) as long as you’re selling authentic products (certain famous brands may be restricted) (What Can I Sell on Amazon Without Approval? (September 2024 ...). 
• For brand owners, Amazon Brand Registry is optional but highly recommended – it requires a registered trademark (or pending trademark via Amazon’s IP Accelerator) (Requirements and tips for enrolling a brand in Amazon Brand Registry - Sell on Amazon) and images showing your brand name on products/packaging. 
• Brand Registry isn’t a marketplace entry requirement, but it unlocks valuable tools (A+ content, brand protection, etc.). 
• In short, any small brand that meets Amazon’s basic seller identity verification can start selling; focus on having your paperwork and trademark in order for the best results.
  
  
• Walmart Marketplace: Walmart’s third-party marketplace is more selective than Amazon’s… this has been the case since the very beginning. I remember starting to support Walmart Marketplace when it was still fully gated, only had 5 sellers live with products. That year was 2013 and the 5 sellers generated about $20,000,000! The following year we scaled it to 20 sellers and generated over $100,000,000. I worked on this project until 2016 when the gates were removed, Walmart had far exceeded 1000 sellers and well over $1BILLION in gross sales through Marketplace Sellers. The opportunity remains MASSIVE. 
• Sellers must apply and be approved based on several criteria. While Walmart doesn’t impose a strict SKU minimum or maximum (you can list as many products as you want) (Gapstow), they do favor established businesses. In fact, industry insiders note Walmart often looks for sellers with at least ** ~$500,000 in annual e-commerce revenue and a track record on other marketplaces** (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine). 
• Key requirements include having: 
• U.S. business tax ID (EIN) and address
• Completed W-9 form
• Being able to ship orders from within the U.S. (international sellers need a U.S. warehouse or fulfillment partner) (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine). 
• Reputation: Walmart will evaluate your e-commerce reputation (customer reviews, performance metrics on Amazon/eBay, etc.), 
• your product assortment quality 
• competitive pricing
• fulfillment ability (Gapstow). 
• Customer Service: You’ll need to demonstrate excellent customer service (Walmart expects sellers to respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours and offer service from 9 AM–9 PM ET) (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine) 
• The Kicker → Confirm you won’t use Amazon FBA to fulfill Walmart orders (Walmart requires separate fulfillment channels) (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine). 
• Fees: There is no monthly fee to sell on Walmart, only referral fees per sale, but getting in is the hardest part. 
• What % of Sale does Walmart costt? 
• Bottom line: to be accepted, position your brand as reliable and established – have your U.S. business documentation ready, show a history of happy customers, and be prepared to ship orders quickly from U.S. inventory.
  
  
• Target Plus (Target+): Target’s marketplace is invite-only and highly curated (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know). As of now, you cannot simply sign up; Target hand-picks and invites brands that fit their quality standards and category needs (though they have an application form to express interest) (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know). There’s no published minimum size like revenue, but expect that Target is seeking premium, trusted brands (often those with unique products or a strong D2C following). 
• To even be considered, you must 
• be a U.S.-registered business with a U.S. address
• provide tax documents (W-9, EIN) and a DUNS number for verification (Target Plus™ Seller Application). 
• Target Plus has strict operational requirements: 
• sellers must ship orders within 24 hours and ensure delivery within 5 days (domestically, as cross-border shipping isn’t allowed) (Target Plus™ Seller Application). You can only use approved carriers (UPS, USPS, FedEx) and cannot use competitors’ fulfillment services (no Amazon FBA, etc.) (Target Plus™ Seller Application). 
• Every product must have a GS1-certified UPC barcode on it (Target Plus™ Seller Application), and for apparel, Target requires you to provide detailed size charts for all wearable items (in data file format, not just images) (Target Plus™ Seller Application). Additionally, Target expects top-notch product content (professional images on white backgrounds, no watermarks or promo text) (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know) and pricing parity with other channels (you shouldn’t list an item for more on Target than on your own site or Amazon) (Selling on Target Plus (Target+) A Comprehensive Guide). 
• In summary: Target Plus is looking for quality over quantity – only apply (or hope for an invite) when your brand has proven excellence in product quality, branding, and fulfillment. Small apparel brands do get invited, especially if you offer something unique that complements Target’s assortment, but you must be ready to meet big-retailer standards from day one.
  
  

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is written for small to mid-sized U.S. apparel sellers – think of Shopify store owners who have a successful boutique clothing or print-on-demand t-shirt business and are now looking to expand to Amazon, Walmart, or Target. You might be a solo entrepreneur or a small team running an online brand, with a passion for your products and an existing customer base from your own website or social media. Your experience level is beginner to intermediate with marketplaces: perhaps you’ve mastered Shopify and Instagram marketing, but you’re new to the world of Amazon Seller Central or Walmart Seller Center. What you do know is that millions of customers search on these big platforms, and you don’t want to miss out on those sales.

Motivations: You’re likely driven by the desire to grow your sales and brand recognition. You’ve seen how being on Amazon can skyrocket a brand’s visibility, or how getting into Target Plus lends a brand instant credibility. You want to diversify your revenue beyond just your website, tap into the trust and massive traffic of these marketplaces, and perhaps even find new customer segments. At the same time, you might feel a bit overwhelmed or intimidated by the application processes, the different rules, and the competition on these platforms. That’s why this guide exists – to give you a clear roadmap and confidence to take the leap.

Keep in mind: expanding to these channels is a game-changer for a small apparel business. It can elevate you from a niche player to a national brand. The following best practices will help you not only get accepted onto Amazon, Walmart, or Target, but also set a solid foundation for sustained success once you’re selling there. Let’s dive into the top 10 tips to make your marketplace expansion smooth and profitable!

Top 10 Best Practices for Marketplace Success

Below are the Top 10 Best Practices to get your apparel brand set up and thriving on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Follow these steps and tips to meet requirements, impress the marketplace gatekeepers, and maximize your growth. (We’ve included helpful links to official resources where relevant.)

1. Do Your Homework on Requirements (Know Each Platform’s Rules) – Start by fully understanding what each marketplace expects from sellers before you apply or list products. Carefully review official requirements and guidelines:
   
   
• Amazon: Review Amazon’s seller sign-up checklist and category guidelines. Make sure you have all required info (valid ID, EIN or SSN, bank account, credit card). For apparel, read Amazon’s Category Style Guide for Clothing to see image and attribute requirements (e.g. Amazon requires listing variant options like size and color, and a clear size chart in the description). Amazon link: [Amazon Seller Central – Categories Requiring Approval] (What Can I Sell on Amazon Without Approval? (September 2024 ...) (shows that most apparel items do not require special approval). Amazon is quite accessible, but ensure you’re ready to comply with their policies (like customer data protection, return policies, etc.).
  
  
• Walmart: Read Walmart’s official Seller Help articles on Marketplace requirements. Key points: you need a U.S. business tax ID, address, and W-9; you should ideally have UPC codes for your products; and you must be able to fulfill orders in a timely manner. Walmart will ask in the application about your catalog size and experience – have a brief summary of your sales history ready. Remember that Walmart explicitly checks your e-commerce reputation and may reject applications lacking experience (Successfully Selling On Walmart Marketplace: The Complete Guide). Walmart link: [Walmart Marketplace Application Portal] (Successfully Selling On Walmart Marketplace: The Complete Guide). Review Walmart’s prohibited products list to ensure your apparel (or related accessories) are allowed.
  
  
• Target Plus: Since you can’t directly sign up without an invite, focus on the info Target provides in its [Target Plus™ Seller Application form] (Target Plus™ Seller Application). Ensure your business meets all listed criteria: U.S. registration and documents (Target Plus™ Seller Application), ability to ship fast in the U.S. (Target Plus™ Seller Application), proper UPC barcodes (Target Plus™ Seller Application), etc. If you decide to submit an application for consideration, double-check every detail – Target will vet things like your website, product reviews, social media, and more. Target link: [Target Plus Requirements (via official application)] (Target Plus™ Seller Application) (Target Plus™ Seller Application). By doing your homework, you’ll know if there are any gaps you need to fill (for example, registering your business or obtaining UPCs) before you invest time in the process.
  
  
2. Get Your Legal and Brand Basics in Order – All three marketplaces will expect you to be a legitimate business with a protected brand. This means:
   
   
• Register your business (LLC or other entity) and have your EIN (Tax ID) and documents like a W-9 form ready. Amazon allows sole proprietors, but Walmart and Target require a registered business (no personal SSN in lieu of EIN) (Target Plus™ Seller Application).
  
  
• Secure a trademark for your brand name/logo. This is crucial for Amazon Brand Registry: Amazon requires an active or pending registered trademark in your brand name to enroll (Requirements and tips for enrolling a brand in Amazon Brand Registry - Sell on Amazon). Even for Walmart or Target, having a trademark shows you’re serious and also protects your brand from copycats. If you haven’t filed a trademark yet, consider using Amazon’s IP Accelerator program to fast-track the process (Requirements and tips for enrolling a brand in Amazon Brand Registry - Sell on Amazon) (you can get Brand Registry benefits while the trademark is pending).
  
  
• Obtain GS1 UPC barcodes for your products. Marketplaces use UPC/EANs to track products. Target explicitly mandates GS1-certified UPCs (Target Plus™ Seller Application), and Amazon also validates UPCs against the GS1 database to ensure authenticity. It’s a best practice to buy your own GS1 company prefix and assign official UPCs to each style of apparel you sell. This will smooth the listing process and prevent listing errors or disputes over barcodes.
  
  
• Prepare brand assets: Have high-quality versions of your logo, and if applicable, brand authorizations or licensing documents. For example, if you’re reselling licensed apparel, you may need to show authorization. If you’re the brand owner, simply having your trademark and branding materials ready is enough. Amazon’s Brand Registry will ask for images of your product or packaging showing the brand name (Requirements and tips for enrolling a brand in Amazon Brand Registry - Sell on Amazon), so have a product photo where your brand name is clearly printed on the garment or its tag/box.
  
  
3. Why this matters: By getting your legal and brand basics done early, you’ll be able to breeze through sections of the application/enrollment on each platform. Plus, you’ll avoid future headaches – for instance, brand registry on Amazon not only gives you access to A+ content and Sponsored Brands ads, but also helps protect your designs from hijackers or knock-offs.
   
   
4. Demonstrate Quality and Credibility – When marketplaces evaluate a small seller, they look for signs that you offer great products and service. You want to put your best foot forward:
   
   
• Build a professional online presence. Before applying, ensure your Shopify site (and other channels) look reputable – clear product images, an About page, and maybe some customer testimonials. Walmart’s team may check your website or Amazon store to judge your professionalism. Target absolutely will vet your brand’s online footprint to decide if you align with their “trusted brands” vibe (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know).
  
  
• Highlight any positive performance metrics. If you’ve sold on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy already, gather your feedback scores, star ratings, and sales numbers. Walmart in particular is looking for sellers with positive reviews and a track record of satisfying customers (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine). You might get a chance to mention this in the Walmart application – do so, or attach supporting screenshots if possible.
  
  
• Product quality counts: Make sure your apparel items meet marketplace standards. Are your materials good quality? Sizing is accurate? If you have any product certifications (e.g., organic cotton, fair trade, etc.), mention them. For apparel, also ensure you comply with U.S. regulations (for example, children’s clothing has safety standards, flammability standards, etc.). While Amazon and others might not ask for certificates upfront (unless it’s a restricted category), having compliant products will save you from trouble down the line.
  
  
• Professional product photography: All marketplaces emphasize high-quality images because that signals a quality product. Amazon requires at least 1000x1000 pixels images on a pure white background for the main image. Target Plus explicitly requires images without watermarks or promotional text, and a pure white background for the main product image (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know). If your current photos don’t meet these standards, invest time in upgrading them. Great images not only help with acceptance (especially for Target’s curation) but also will dramatically improve your sales once listed.
  
  
5. Pro tip: It can help to have a catalog line sheet or lookbook for your apparel brand. When applying to Target Plus, for instance, you’ll need to submit an Excel with your product assortment (Target Plus™ Seller Application). A polished presentation of your collection (with style numbers, images, MSRP, etc.) can make your brand look more credible and easier for a marketplace to approve.
   
   
6. Start with Amazon (Easiest Entry), but Diversify – Amazon is usually the most straightforward platform to get started on, so it often makes sense as your first expansion step:
   
   
• Sign up for Amazon Seller Central and consider the Professional Plan. At $39.99/month, it’s worth it if you plan to sell more than 40 units a month. This plan also lets you create new listings (important if your apparel brand is unique) and gives access to advertising and other tools.
  
  
• Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry as soon as you have your trademark in process. This will unlock A+ Content (so you can add rich images and brand story to your listings) and Brand Analytics, as well as protect your brand name on Amazon (Amazon) (Amazon). Use the [Amazon Brand Registry Portal] (Amazon) to get started. Note: You can sell on Amazon without Brand Registry, but having it is a best practice for any brand owner.
  
  
• Once you’re selling on Amazon and have ironed out your fulfillment and listing process, look to Walmart Marketplace as your next channel. Use your Amazon sales data and reviews as leverage in your Walmart application (“We’ve sold 5,000 units on Amazon with a 4.8-star average rating,” for example).
  
  
• Target Plus might be a longer-term goal since it’s invite-only. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get on Target immediately. Focus on growing your Amazon/Walmart sales – Target often invites brands that show strong performance elsewhere or that offer something unique. You can also network at trade shows or on LinkedIn with Target category managers to get on their radar. In the meantime, join Target’s Partners Online portal and fill out the Target Plus interest form to have your info on file (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know).
  
  
• Diversification is key: Selling on multiple marketplaces hedges your risk and reaches different shopper bases. Amazon shoppers might search by keywords, Walmart shoppers might be more price-sensitive, and Target’s audience values curation and style. By eventually being on all three, you cover all bases. Just be sure you can maintain good performance on each (don’t stretch too thin).
  
  
7. Optimize Your Product Listings for Each Marketplace – A common mistake is to copy-paste your Shopify product page into Amazon or Walmart. Instead, tailor your listings to each platform’s best practices:
   
   
• Keyword-rich titles & descriptions: On Amazon, use relevant keywords in your title (e.g. “Men’s Moisture-Wicking Athletic T-Shirt – BrandName – Black, Size L”) to improve search visibility. Walmart’s SEO is a bit different but also favors clear, keyworded titles (and they may auto-rewrite your title to fit their style). Use bullet points in Amazon descriptions to highlight features (fabric, fit, care instructions, etc.). For Walmart, keep the tone factual and include any warranty or size info. Target Plus might have stricter content rules – ensure your product titles and descriptions are concise and meet any character limits.
  
  
• High-quality images & media: We mentioned images before – it’s worth repeating: use multiple images (front, back, detail shots, model images if allowed). Amazon allows videos on listings if you have Brand Registry, which can really help apparel (consider a 360° view or a model walking in the outfit). Walmart also supports rich media now via their listing content tools. Always follow each site’s image guidelines (Amazon and Target require pure white background for the main image, etc.) (Target Plus Marketplace: Everything Sellers Need to Know).
  
  
• Variations and SKU data: Apparel often comes in many sizes and colors. Set up your parent-child variation listings correctly on Amazon (so all sizes/colors appear under one product page). Walmart also supports variations – make sure to group your products so customers can find the exact size/color easily. And double-check that every SKU has a unique UPC/EAN attached, as required. On Target Plus, you’ll likely submit these via their onboarding team – be prepared with a size chart file as Target requires for apparel (Target Plus™ Seller Application).
  
  
• Pricing and parity: Research the marketplace pricing for similar items to price competitively. But also maintain price parity – Target demands that your Target price isn’t higher than elsewhere (Selling on Target Plus (Target+) A Comprehensive Guide). Walmart’s terms also discourage having higher prices on Walmart than on Amazon or your own site (they want best price for Walmart customers). Amazon has a “fair pricing” policy that can suppress your listing if it finds you consistently cheaper on other sites. So choose a pricing strategy that is consistent across channels, accounting for each one’s fees.
  
  
• Include relevant details: For apparel, important attributes include material (cotton/poly blend, etc.), dimensions or size fit info, and country of origin. Amazon has specific fields for these in the listing backend – fill them out to avoid customer questions and returns. On Walmart, make sure your description or “additional info” covers the same. The more information you provide, the more confident a customer (and the marketplace trust algorithms) will be in your product.
  
  
8. Remember: Optimized listings not only help you get approved (marketplace reps will review your listings for professionalism) but also set you up for strong sales from day one. Good content leads to better conversion rates and reviews.
   
   
9. Plan Your Fulfillment Strategy (Fast and Reliable Shipping) – How you fulfill orders is a make-or-break factor for marketplace success, especially in apparel where fit issues can lead to returns and exchanges:
   
   
• Amazon Fulfillment: Decide between FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) or FBM (ship yourself). For small brands, FBA is often beneficial because your products become Prime-eligible, Amazon handles 2-day delivery, and customers trust Prime. FBA does come with fees, so factor that in. If you fulfill yourself, you’ll need to ship quickly (Amazon expects you to meet the shipping speed you advertise, and default transit for standard is typically 4-5 days). Many apparel sellers use a mix: FBA for their best-sellers and FBM for slower sellers or certain variations.
  
  
• Walmart Fulfillment: You cannot use Amazon FBA to ship Walmart orders (Walmart monitors this) (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine), but Walmart has its own version called Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). WFS can store and ship your products with 2-day delivery badges on Walmart.com, similar to Prime. Consider enrolling your popular items in WFS once you’re approved – Walmart tends to boost items that are in WFS. If you self-fulfill Walmart orders, you’ll need to offer competitive shipping speeds. At minimum, offer free standard shipping if you can (Walmart customers love free shipping too). Make sure to configure your shipping settings in Seller Center so that delivery promises are accurate. Late deliveries or cancellations will hurt your performance metrics.
  
  
• Target Plus Fulfillment: Target requires that you ship all orders within 24 hours and use reliable carriers (Target Plus™ Seller Application). They don’t (yet) have a FBA-like service for Target Plus, so you’ll be shipping yourself or via a 3PL. Invest in a good shipping workflow – you might use an integration (like ShipStation or Shopify’s fulfillment network) to handle multi-channel orders. Since Target is smaller volume initially, you can manage, but be vigilant: Target’s standards are high, and late shipments could get you kicked off the platform. Also ensure your packages for Target orders have no competitor branding (don’t reuse Amazon branded boxes, etc., since Target forbids that).
  
  
• Inventory management: Keep your inventory updated on each channel to avoid overselling. Run a lean but sufficient stock – being OOS (out of stock) will hurt your listing momentum, especially on Amazon where you lose ranking. If you use a 3PL or your own warehouse, consider syncing inventory across Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, etc., using software to prevent selling an item you don’t actually have.
  
  
• Returns handling: Apparel will have returns due to sizing. Have a plan: if using FBA/WFS, returns are handled by Amazon/Walmart. If self-fulfilling, set up return merchandise authorization (RMA) procedures. All three marketplaces expect easy, customer-friendly returns. For instance, Amazon might auto-authorize returns; Walmart lets you provide return labels. Make sure you promptly process refunds and restock returned items. A smooth returns process will reflect in your seller reviews.
  
  
10. Key takeaway: Fast, reliable shipping and fulfillment are non-negotiable. Amazon and Walmart monitor metrics like on-time shipment rate, order defect rate, etc. Keep those high. Small brands can absolutely meet these standards by using the tools available (FBA, WFS, or good 3PLs). In fact, being small can be an advantage if you’re nimble and attentive to every order. Aim to delight customers with speedy delivery – it will lead to positive feedback and repeat business.
    
    
11. Prioritize Customer Service & Policy Compliance – On marketplaces, your seller account health is crucial. Early on, one or two mistakes can jeopardize your expansion. Best practices:
    
    
• Respond to customer messages quickly. For Amazon, try to respond within 24 hours (Amazon requires a response within 48 hours maximum, including weekends). For Walmart, as noted, 24 hours is the expectation (How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace (2024) - Commerce Caffeine). Even on Target, treat any customer inquiry with white-glove service. Fast responses reduce claims and build trust.
  
  
• Handle problems gracefully: You will inevitably face customer issues – a package lost, a shirt didn’t fit, etc. Always follow marketplace policies for addressing these. If a customer opens a return or complaint, don’t fight reasonable requests. It’s usually better to accept a return or issue a prompt refund than to get negative feedback or an A-to-z claim (Amazon’s guarantee claim) which can hurt your metrics.
  
  
• Monitor your performance metrics: Regularly check Amazon’s Account Health dashboard (monitor Order Defect Rate, Late Shipment Rate, Valid Tracking Rate, etc.). Walmart has a Performance dashboard too. If you see any metric slipping (e.g., late shipments over 4%), take action immediately – find the root cause and fix it. Maintaining metrics above the minimum standards keeps you in good standing; plus, some programs (like Walmart’s TwoDay shipping tag, or Amazon’s eligibility for certain campaigns) require high metrics.
  
  
• Stay compliant with marketplace policies: Read the seller policies for each platform. For example, avoid asking customers for positive reviews in ways that violate policy – Amazon forbids any review incentivization. Don’t include marketing inserts in Amazon/Walmart orders that direct customers to your Shopify (at least not with language that solicits off-platform sales or reviews – Amazon and Walmart both prohibit diverting customers). Target likely has similar rules in their contract. Also, ensure your listings themselves comply (no banned keywords, no HTML where not allowed, etc.). Each platform has an extensive seller policies section – it’s boring but worth scanning to avoid accidental infractions.
  
  
• Customer-friendly policies: Offer a 30-day return if possible (Amazon mandates it for Fashion items). Ship on time or early. Basically, treat marketplace customers as you would your own – these platforms all give customers a lot of say, and a poor experience can result in bad feedback or even an escalation to marketplace support. By making customer happiness a priority, you’ll cultivate good ratings and avoid the dreaded suspension emails.
  
  
12. Motivational note: Small sellers often shine at customer service compared to big-box competitors. Use that to your advantage! Your personal touch – a polite message to a customer or careful packing of an order – can translate into 5-star reviews that build your credibility on the platform.
    
    
13. Leverage Advertising and Promotions (Smartly) – Once your products are live, you’ll need to generate visibility. Marketplaces are crowded, so a tactical use of advertising and promos can kickstart sales:
    
    
• Amazon Advertising: For apparel, Sponsored Product ads are very effective. You can target keywords like “women’s organic cotton hoodie” or even competitor brand names (if allowed) to appear in search results. Set a modest budget to start and see what converts. Also consider Sponsored Brands (which requires Brand Registry) to showcase a banner with your brand logo – this is great for brand building. Over time, explore Amazon’s advanced ad types and Amazon Posts or Brand Store to create a mini storefront for your apparel line.
  
  
• Walmart Advertising: Walmart’s Pay-Per-Click platform (Walmart Connect) allows Sponsored Products too. It’s less saturated than Amazon’s, which means you might get cheaper clicks. Identify a few key products to boost. Additionally, getting the Pro Seller Badge on Walmart (earned by good performance) can improve your organic visibility. Walmart also has a Repricer tool if you have competition on identical items – not an issue if you’re the brand owner, but something to be aware of.
  
  
• Promotions and deals: On Amazon, you might use Coupons or Lightning Deals (once eligible) to drive bursts of sales – for instance, a limited-time 15% off on your new summer t-shirt line. Walmart allows you to create markdown promotions or offer free shipping thresholds. Target Plus might feature your products in certain site promotions if you work with your category manager. Always ensure you can handle the volume if a deal goes live.
  
  
• External traffic: Don’t forget you can drive your own traffic to your marketplace listings too. Amazon has the Brand Referral Bonus program which even gives a fee kickback if you bring external traffic that converts. You could run Facebook or Instagram ads not just to your Shopify site, but also advertising “Now available on Amazon Prime” with a link to Amazon – some customers prefer buying via Amazon. Likewise, mention on your social media or email newsletters that your products are on Walmart or Target for those who like shopping there.
  
  
• Budget wisely: Ads and promotions cost money, so use them strategically on your hero products. The goal is to gain reviews and momentum. As a best practice, track your ad spend and ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales) on Amazon, and adjust bids so you’re not losing your shirt (pun intended) on ads. With good listings and a good product, ads will help you climb to organic rankings over time, after which you can scale back spend.
  
  
14. The big picture: Marketing on these marketplaces is essential for initial traction. Think of it like launching on Shopify – you’d run some Facebook ads; here you run marketplace ads. The investment can pay off by getting you those first 10-50 customer reviews, which then sustain your sales long-term.
    
    
15. Maintain Inventory & Scale Smartly – As you find success, keep an eye on inventory and be strategic in scaling up:
    
    
• Stock management: Running out of stock is a momentum killer, especially on Amazon where regaining rank after a stockout is tough. Use inventory management tools or alerts. If something is selling faster than expected, be ready to replenish. For your own production, that might mean ordering blanks or raw materials ahead of season, or working with your manufacturer for quick turnarounds. It’s a balancing act so you’re not overstocked in something that doesn’t sell, but also not running dry on a hot seller.
  
  
• Use fulfillment centers if needed: As you grow, fulfilling from your garage might get overwhelming. Consider using a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) that can handle both your Shopify orders and marketplace orders seamlessly. This can ensure faster shipping from multiple warehouse locations and save you time to focus on marketing and product development.
  
  
• Expand your catalog gradually: Start with your best-selling products on each new marketplace – the ones most likely to get good reviews and represent your brand well. Once those do well, you can add more of your catalog. Don’t feel pressure to list every variant or obscure product immediately. Remember Target’s rule: you need to get 75% of your agreed SKU count up within 75 days of launch (Target Plus™ Seller Application), so only agree to what you can manage. On Amazon/Walmart, you have more freedom to expand at your own pace. Use sales data to decide your next listings – e.g., if your unisex hoodie sells great, maybe list the new color variant or a related product next.
  
  
• Global expansion considerations: As a long-term plan, Amazon and Walmart offer international selling programs. Once you conquer the U.S., you could consider Amazon Europe, etc., but each has its own requirements (like VAT, etc.). Target Plus is only U.S. at the moment (and requires U.S. fulfillment only) (Target Plus™ Seller Application). So, scale in the U.S. first, then think global.
  
  
• Keep an eye on cash flow: More inventory and ads means more cash tied up. Marketplaces pay on regular cycles (Amazon bi-weekly, Walmart every two weeks or faster after you hit certain criteria (Successfully Selling On Walmart Marketplace: The Complete Guide)). Plan for these cycles so you can pay your suppliers. It can be helpful to use a financing service or credit line to bridge if needed, but be cautious with debt. Ideally, reinvest your increasing sales revenue to grow steadily.
  
  
16. Scaling a small apparel brand via marketplaces is like fanning a spark into a flame – feed it carefully and watch it grow. Many 7-figure brands started exactly where you are, with a few products and a dream to expand. With each success (new product launch, new channel, etc.), take a moment to document what worked so you can repeat it.
    
    
17. Stay Adaptive and Keep Learning – E-commerce is always evolving. The best sellers keep up with changes and continuously optimize. Make it a habit to:
    
    
• Monitor policy updates and news: Subscribe to seller newsletters or forums (Amazon Seller News, Walmart Seller Blog, etc.) so you know if, say, Amazon changes fee structures or Walmart updates their return policy. Adhere to any new rules promptly. For example, if Amazon introduces a new requirement for textile product safety documentation, comply quickly to avoid listing removals.
  
  
• Learn from data: All platforms give you reports. Track your conversion rates, advertising ROI, and customer feedback. Maybe you notice your conversion on Walmart is lower than Amazon – investigate if your Walmart listing content needs improvement, or if maybe Walmart’s customer base prefers a lower price point for similar items. Adapt your strategy per channel.
  
  
• Encourage reviews and social proof: While you cannot incentivize reviews, you can politely remind satisfied customers to leave honest feedback (Amazon allows one follow-up message or use of the “Request a Review” button). More reviews will strengthen your listings over time. Also, use those reviews to improve – if customers mention sizing runs small, adjust your size chart or description to set correct expectations.
  
  
• Network and seek support: Join seller communities (Facebook groups, seller forums, LinkedIn groups for e-commerce). Other sellers’ experiences can alert you to pitfalls or opportunities. For instance, a fellow apparel seller might share a tip about a great new print-on-demand integration for Amazon, or warn about a scam targeting sellers. The community can be invaluable for a solo entrepreneur. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amazon or Walmart support if you have issues – they can be slow, but persistence pays off.
  
  
• Keep a motivational mindset: Expanding to these marketplaces can be challenging at times. There may be rejections (maybe Walmart doesn’t accept you on the first try) or setbacks (a listing suspension because of a misunderstanding). The key is to not give up. Use each setback as a learning experience, improve your approach, and try again. Many successful marketplace sellers faced early hurdles – what set them apart is they kept adapting and pushing forward.
  
  
18. Finally, celebrate your wins. Every time you hit a milestone – your first Amazon sale, your acceptance to Walmart, your 100th order on Target Plus – acknowledge it. You’re building multiple new revenue streams for your brand and reaching customers nationwide. That’s a big deal! Stay hungry for knowledge, be willing to tweak your strategies, and your apparel brand can thrive on these platforms.
    
    

By following these best practices, you’ll be well on your way to taking your apparel business from a single-storefront operation to a multi-channel powerhouse. Each of these marketplaces offers unique opportunities: Amazon with its sheer scale, Walmart with its growing online presence and slightly less competition, and Target with its curated, brand-friendly environment. Many small brands have successfully broken into these channels – now it’s your turn. Stay focused, keep improving, and soon you could see your clothing line in carts across Amazon, Walmart, and (with a bit of luck and perseverance) even Target’s online aisles. Good luck, and happy selling!