Born October 9, 1940, John Lennon would have been celebrating his 80th birthday this year. Instead, shot on December 8, 1980 we will all soon be commemorating the 40th anniversary of his death. With this in mind, we’re taking a look back at this legendary musician’s life. Born in Liverpool, John Winston Lennon had humble […]
How Covid has affected eCommerce?
I set out to write this blog about how the ongoing pandemic has affected eCommerce, but as that’s such a broad topic, lets zero in on our eCommerce. We all know retail has been changed by the current Covid-19 pandemic, people have adapted their shopping habits. Stockpiling, switching to grocery deliveries, and the closure of […]
I set out to write this blog about how the ongoing pandemic has affected eCommerce, but as that’s such a broad topic, lets zero in on our eCommerce.
We all know retail has been changed by the current Covid-19 pandemic, people have adapted their shopping habits. Stockpiling, switching to grocery deliveries, and the closure of all ‘non-essential’ shops have boosted some sectors, while leaving other sectors struggling to keep their footing. Sectors dealing in beauty products and eveningwear suffered – who needs to look good if you’re stuck inside? Whereas demand for sports equipment and loungewear skyrocketed now that gyms were closed.
Some sites have seen a decline in sales as their customers’ loyalty has also shifted as their shopping habits change. Those who maybe would return to their highstreet shops have now been turned on to the idea of online shopping and the world of choices that opens up to them. And with the majority of sales shifting from the real world to the virtual one, those who work within the delivery industry will need to be sure their infrastructure is on point with all the increase in demand for their services. Considering local lockdowns are back in force, we may have to face the possibility that the world will not be resuming any time soon.
Royal Mail conducted a survey to how people’s ordering habits have changed since lockdown began on March 23rd. 45% of UK adults have confirmed they have received more parcel deliveries, and around 80% of consumers admitted their online spending will remain the same, or even increase once lockdown lifts; meaning smaller retailers like yourselves can reap the benefits of a wider audience than ever before.
I could continue all day about the numerous stats for YoY increases for other retailers, but what about the personalised gift market?
When comparing our figures since the beginning of lockdown in March to the same timeframe last year, we’ve seen an increase of 57% in sales across all our lines. Breaking down our sales figures into separate parts of the Signature family, Signature PG saw an increase of 66%, while Signature Books saw a rise of almost 35%.
It would seem that people are looking for any excuse to celebrate an occasion. The world may have been paused but birthdays, anniversaries, births and retirements were not. People are looking forward to celebrations more than ever, and possibly spending a little more on gifts to compensate for not being there in person to pass on their best wishes and happy returns.
Nobody celebrates like the British, hardly surprising our sales of personalised alcohol have risen nearly 54%!