“Good to be back,” say Bira cookshops

An exclusive members’ survey by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) reveals that many business owners – including cookshops and housewares stockists – have experienced ‘better than expected’ trade following the reopening of non-essential shop in England on June 15.

In its member survey, more than one fifth (22.3%) of Bira members enjoyed more than 100% better sales than they would have expected pre-Covid-19. Some15% had between 75-100% of expected sales compared to before the crisis. Just 11% had only taken 0-25% of predicted sales.

Above: Ma Cuisine in Devizes is among the busy shops.
Above: Ma Cuisine in Devizes is among the busy shops.

Upbeat reports from cookshops and housewares stockist included that of Jerry Fruen, owner of Ma Cuisine in Devizes, who described trade on re-opening as: “Excellent – it felt like the first week of December. Customers are so pleased that we are open.  Just hope it continues.”

Lucy Richards, manager at The Kitchen Range, West Wickham concurred: “Sales were double our usual figures.  Customers were delighted to be able to shop.”

Above: The rainbow window (featuring coloured moss) for The Kitchen Range’s re-opening in West Wickham.
Above: The rainbow window (featuring coloured moss) for The Kitchen Range’s re-opening in West Wickham.

In York, Jo Asquith, co-owner of Frankie & Jonny’s enthused: “We have been very busy with great support from the local community.  Everyone was very happy to see us back open and it felt good to be back.”

Judith Blatch, co-owner of Winch & Blatch, Sudbury also highlighted a warm reception from those customers coming out to shop, observing: “It was generally quiet, however many of the customers were relieved we are now back open.”

Above: Winch & Blatch’s re-opening announcement on Facebook.
Above: Winch & Blatch’s re-opening announcement on Facebook.

Consumers were also cautious to flock to reopened shops in Downham Market. Jim Carlile of Reeds Homestore acknowledged lower footfall but good sales. He described the store’s re-opening as: “Not as busy as anticipated – footfall is about 50% down from pre-lockdown – but despite that, sales were good and customers that did come in were glad to see us back up and running again.”

Above: Reeds Homestore’s announcement on Facebook.
Above: Reeds Homestore’s announcement on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Damian Clarke of Stringers Department Store, Lytham reported: “Demand has been strong, customers and staff have adapted well.”

Bira’s member survey also found that almost 90% (89.3%) of its respondents (across membership categories) had implemented social distancing measures inside their premises. 63% had some sort of social distancing measures outside the premises – and had better sales because of it.

Looking ahead, some 30% of respondents feel ‘fully prepared’ for a second lockdown (national or regional), while 49.5% feel ‘somewhat prepared’ if restrictions are implemented again.

Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre welcomed the news of the reopening of the hospitality sector in England on July 4, but says “more help is needed for independent retailers moving forward, such as a reduction in VAT.”

 

Top: Stringers Department Store in Lytham has seen strong demand since re-opening.

MORE NEWS
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (36)
 
WildBrain CPLG has been appointed by ETABLISSEMENTS PEUGEOT FRÈRES and its subsidiary PEUGEOT FRÈRES INDUSTRIE to represent the PEUGEOT brand globally....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (35)
 
One of the key tools of any kitchen, knives make up an important part of the housewares landscape. PH finds out about the latest launches and what drives sales....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (34)
 
This month, Andrew Goodacre, ceo of BIRA, weighs in to the question on every supermarket's lips - to serve or self serve? ...
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (33)
 
Spring Fair will launch the Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus and Licensing International at the next show....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (32)
 
HORL has introduced scissors which can be sharpened at home – with the HORL Sharpener....
Copy of Progressive Preschool featured image (31)
 
New research by Joseph Joseph has revealed that 72% of Brits struggle to clean or organise rooms in their home. ...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.