There’s no two ways about it: without the arts, or with arts and crafts to occupy our minds, 2020 would have been considerably more difficult to contend with.
Today, we are delighted to report on the progress of the arts and crafts sector throughout the year - and boy have they done well!
An incredible peak can be seen in April and May (169 and 155% respectively!), as the Government continued to extend lockdown, and cabin fever was beginning to set in.
Following the initial peak, sales and revenue did decline between May and June, as can be seen above. Although performance reduced in June, retailers in the Arts and Crafts sector were still 52% up on average, when compared to the previous year. A similar trend was seen in the number of orders (74% on average in the months following May).
Hobbycraft, one of the largest UK Arts and Crafts retailers reported that the number of people visiting their website throughout lockdown had tripled.
Due to the anxiety that the global pandemic and the subsequent restrictions have created, consumers have been craving distraction, and prioritising their mental health. It has been reported by clinical neuropsychologist, Katie Carey Levisay that crafting can help reduce anxiety. This is because as the brain is totally engrossed in a project, it allows us to stop worrying about the future. Additionally, creating something for someone helps boost belief in our own abilities and that feeling in turn stimulates reward centres in the brain to release dopamine and endorphins.
Our very own Customer Support Manager, Lauren Dunthorne, has been trying her hand at embroidery throughout the last number of months, and we must say… we’re impressed!
What's next for the arts and crafts sector?
As we hurtle closer towards Christmas, we’d expect nothing less than an increase in seasonal crafting and DIY presents for family, friends and colleagues.
While, year on year, November is traditionally peak season, we expect that this year it will be even bigger than ever before, for a combination of reasons:
How can arts and crafts retailers prep for the coming months?
Want to find out more about how Visualsoft could help you? Simply let us know using the form or give us a call on 01642 633604.