Topline findings from The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s latest member survey are that 83% of members report sales during lockdown as being ‘better than expected’, while 63% go as far as to say, ‘much better’.   Remarkably more than three quarters of survey respondents said that they expected to hit or exceed budget for 2020, despite the pandemic and the effects of the resulting recession.

The comprehensive survey, published in full at the end of August, investigates the economic realities of the lockdown period from the impact on sales to the impact on business structure, strategy and future planning.  Over 100 BHETA members responded to the questionnaire. 

Commenting on the findings, BHETA marketing manager Steve Richardson said, “The pandemic and resulting lockdown has been a huge tragedy and the country is struggling with the resulting recession. However, the encouraging truth for many homewares’ suppliers is that a large proportion have been pleasantly surprised by a positive trading experience over the past few months, in particular those who could sell direct to the end consumer though their own websites, through ‘local’ retailers who stayed open, or quickly re-opened, or through retailers with good e-commerce sites.

“One of the obvious outcomes of the lockdown has been an increased spend on home-related projects as furloughing, working from home and the limited alternative outlets for disposable income combined to focus attention on home improvement, home baking and gardening.  BHETA’s most recent data suggests that these trends are continuing post-lockdown as new-found skills and rediscovered enthusiasm for all things home and garden provide a positive legacy for the whole sector.  BHETA will certainly be continuing to support its members in making certain they can access consumer demand by tailoring their sales strategies accordingly.”

More information about BHETA data, training and events can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk or by contacting Member Services at BHETA on 07946 078566.