Erin Johnson

Title: Associate Editorial Director, Commerce

Location: Haleiwa, Hawaii

Expertise: Home, Travel, Pets, Vacuums

Erin Johnson is the associate editorial director of commerce for PEOPLE, with a concerted focus on the home category and the likes of products such as vacuums, bed sheets, and large appliances. Prior to this role, she was a shopping editor for The Spruce. She has also researched, tested, and written product guides for several digital outlets, including Real Simple, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living, and has freelanced for sites like Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn.

Highlights:

Erin has over 9 years’ experience in the digital media industry
She has a strong background in the home category and has personally tested over 100 home products like appliances, vacuums, furniture, and décor in 2023
Erin has a Bachelor of Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University

Erin is a passionate and driven content creator who has contributed to several digital outlets, including The Spruce, Real Simple, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, The Kitchn, and Apartment Therapy.

Early in her career, Erin worked as a prop stylist, production designer, and professional organizer while simultaneously freelance writing about DIY and interior design trends for several lifestyle sites. When home organization products (like The Home Edit’s clear bins and spice racks) became must-have products of the time, Erin used her experience to write first-hand product recommendations, and she found a passion for writing about quality products that can improve your home’s atmosphere. Since then, she's written and edited hundreds of articles on home products and trends, as well as content centered around lifestyle, fashion, and beauty.

She joined PEOPLE in September 2022 as a senior shopping editor, focusing on all things home, from appliances to furniture to celebrity brands. She has tested over 150 different products both in our PEOPLE Tested lab and at home, totaling over 1000 hours of testing, with her favorite products being cozy bamboo sheet sets, cordless vacuums, and pet products like calming dog beds for her beloved chihuahua, Pup. On top of her passion for all things home, Erin loves to spend time outdoors (preferably at the beach), so she is constantly on the lookout for the best sunscreen, comfy sandals, and clothing for petite yet curvy frames.

Erin always has her finger on the pulse of the latest innovations and launches and is the first to volunteer to test out a brand’s newest iteration (she is currently loving Dyson’s Gen5Detect cordless vacuum cleaner). She also stays on top of current celebrity recommendations and collaborations, whether that’s Reese Witherspoon’s favorite new holiday dress or Christina Hall’s current Amazon décor picks.

Her work has always centered around the lifestyle beat and typically has a fun yet informative tone. She has interviewed dozens of experts to better inform her content like top allergists for their favorite vacuums (with HEPA filters) and Joanna Gaines on her Magnolia Home collection.

Erin currently resides in Hawaii, but she spent most of her life between New York City and Jackson, Tennessee.

Other Work:

The 5 Best Roombas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Spruce
Shark vs. Dyson: Which Vacuum Is Better?, Real Simple
I Slept So Well in My Friend's Guest Room, I Ordered a Set of Her Bamboo Sheets While Still in Bed, Better Homes & Gardens
This Clothing Rental Subscription Is My Secret to Trendy, Loud Outfits Without Fast-Fashion Guilt, InStyle

Erin has a Bachelor of Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. She took a continuing education course on creative writing at New York University shortly thereafter and completed the advanced writing program at UCB New York.

PEOPLE, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, delivers the most trustworthy celebrity news and captivating human interest stories, connecting you to the pulse of American culture. Since our first issue hit stands in 1974, we have been striving to tell compelling stories about the people behind the issues, as opposed to just the issues themselves. We are your everyday escape, taking you inside the lives of intriguing stars, newsmakers, up-and-comers and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We serve and delight you by providing ideas about beauty, food and style through the lens of the people influencing the trends. And we are a force for good by telling stories of hope, optimism and kindness that drive conversation and inspire action. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.

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