The latest PG&H Retail Barometer annual survey, which looked back at an unprecedented 2020, unsurprisingly revealed that over two thirds of respondents had a worse year than in 2019, down by 70%.
However, there were some ‘ups’, with Christmas 2020 a good one for many of those surveyed, with almost two thirds (62%) confirming that it was better or the same as Christmas 2019. The average festive spend increased too, according to a whopping 81%.
For those without a transactional website, creating one became a priority, with ‘shop local’ campaigns also having a positive effect. Engaging with customers on social media was also a ‘must’ for many, with Facebook and Instagram out in front.
Also on the up in 2020 was sourcing sustainable product, along with giftware that had been made in Britain, with 83% of those surveyed confirming that this was important when sourcing.
Meanwhile, new products in response to the pandemic, included face masks, hand sanitiser, gift boxes and hampers, jigsaw puzzles and letterbox gifts.
With lockdown easing, overall, there was a positive feel about business in 2021, with the vast majority of respondents (83%) predicting that they would see significant or marginal growth, or that their business would remain the same.
For the full findings of the PG&H Retail Barometer, turn to pages 20-25.
Top: The findings of the latest PG&H Retail Barometer have been revealed.
