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Gloucestershire Business News

Crafting sales soar during lockdown

Hobbycraft has seen a 200 per cent boom in online sales since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Hobbycraft, which has stores in Cheltenham and Gloucester, said there had been exceptional levels of demand during lockdown, with people stuck at home looking for something to do, as reported by The Guardian.

The retailer said total sales increased by 8.9 per cent to £193.6m for the year ending 16th February - before the coronavirus crisis. Online sales grew by 19 per cent during the same period.

All of its stores were closed during the 12-week lockdown period, which had a significant impact on total sales, despite the surge in online orders.

But Hobbycraft said it emerged from lockdown in a strong position and is now well placed to withstand the longer-term impacts of the pandemic.

During lockdown, many people filled their days with crafting, including making their own protective face masks, and activities like jigsaw puzzles. Knitting has seen a big revival, including from teenagers and young people.

In response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Hobbycraft is moving its popular in-store craft demonstrations and workshops online. During lockdown, its online craft classes reached 15 million people.

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