Demand for arts and crafts materials during the coronavirus lockdown saw online sales triple for one specialist retailer.
Hobbycraft said it has emerged from the depths of the COVID-19 crisis in a “strong position” after like-for-like online sales soared by more than 200% during the 12-week period, when households were largely confined indoors to curb the spread of infection.
School closures also meant many children were at home.
The company said the closure of its 100 stores across the UK during the coronavirus shutdown, up until being allowed to reopen on 15 June, had “significantly impacted” total sales.
However, at the same time it experienced “exceptional levels of customer demand” online.
In an update, the firm said: “Demand for arts and crafts remains strong as a high level of customer demand continues both online and in stores since stores have reopened.”
It added: “The impact of COVID-19 presents new challenges and will undoubtedly change the shape of the UK retail sector.
“However, the business has emerged from the March-June lockdown in a strong position and is now well placed to withstand the longer-term impacts of the pandemic and drive further growth.”
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