6 Things Whose Sales Soared During Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus continues to grow. While many retailers face commercial collapse, some are struggling to keep up with demand.

The owner of an online coffee company says: "We are as busy as at Christmas. Our sales have doubled".

Outdoor games retailers tell a similar story: "All our table tennis stock has sold out. Apparently, it is as essential as toilet paper."

Although whole families are confined to their homes, they want ways to keep their minds and bodies occupied, eat well and feel refreshed.

What Is Selling Fast During the Coronavirus Outbreak?

1. Outdoor and Indoor Games

Outdoor games supplier Andy Beresford says: "All our table tennis stock and all this week’s preorders have sold out."

"We sold 124 table tennis tables this week. At this time last year, we managed only 15."

Sales have soared since the government announced school closures.

Andy, who also sells indoor games, says sales of pool tables have risen dramatically. He said stocks had fallen from 500 tables to 250.

2. Home and Garden Supplies

Phil Jones, who sells seeds and gardening products through Justseed in Wrexham, says: "We had to stop taking orders after huge demand for carrot, lettuce, bean and tomato seeds."

"This is extraordinary demand! We are trying to supply the large quantities ordered."

Two major seed companies, Marshalls and Suttond, have even stopped answering their phones.

Although some buyers are concerned about the short shelf life of fresh vegetables, Phil says many are simply looking for something to do. "This is something they have wanted to do for years, and it is an educational activity to share with the children."

Another retail specialist, Franchi Seeds, says it temporarily closed its website because of panic buying.

What about those indoors, at home? They are turning to knitting and sewing to ease their boredom.

London-based department store Liberty reports that sales of sewing products have recently risen by 380%, and crafts and hobby products by 228%.

3. Books

Another popular pursuit is finding a good book now that people have time on their hands. Surprisingly, demand for books about epidemics and science fiction has increased.

This week’s second bestseller on Amazon UK is Dean Koontz’s "The Eyes of Darkness." Written in 1981, it describes a virus called Wuhan-400 with striking similarities to coronavirus.

Another strong seller is French writer Alber Camus’s novel "The Plague." Published by British publisher Penguin, its sales had risen by 150% by the end of February. Similar increases have occurred in France and Italy.

4. Electronics

According to major supermarket chains, purchases since the coronavirus outbreak have left people with stockpiles worth 1 billion pounds in their homes.

Where is all this heading? You need somewhere to store it!

Naturally, refrigerators and freezers are among the most searched-for items in online stores.

Demand for laptops and office equipment is also surging: everyone realizes they cannot easily do office work while simply lounging around at home.

Electronics retailer Dixons Carphone reports strong laptop and printer sales, adding that sales of televisions, chest freezers, games consoles and various electric kitchen appliances have also increased by 23%.

5. Coffee

Rave Coffee, known for its exotic coffees and based in the industrial town of Cirencester, 80 miles west of London, says doubled demand has created a need for more staff.

Owner Vikki Hodge says she has 11 employees but needs at least 5 more because they cannot keep up with demand.

Vikki explains: "People generally bought coffee from us for their offices. Now that their homes have become their offices, they are ordering it for home."

Where I previously received one order for an office, I now receive 10 orders for living rooms.

6. Bicycles and Exercise Equipment

Bicycle sales continue to grow, whether for exercise or safer travel.

"People want to be independent," says folding bicycle company Brompton’s CEO, Will Butler Adams.

"I estimate that sales across the UK market have increased by around 15%."

Meanwhile, the London Bicycle Association is 2 times as busy as usual. People are either refurbishing old bicycles to avoid public transport or simply looking for something to do.

Retailer Halford also reports increased exercise bike sales. "People who cannot go outside want to exercise indoors."

Toby Clark of market research company Mintel says: "People who realize they cannot go to the gym have turned to home exercise equipment."

John Lewis supports this view. Its sports department has seen a noticeable increase in sales of home exercise equipment and fitness products.

Small Businesses Are Struggling

Although business seems good in these areas, a crisis is also looming.

Andy of Home Leisure Direct says they will be unable to meet demand for new table tennis tables after factories in France closed.

"We will probably close our doors before this weekend."

Andy has 40 employees. Almost all rely solely on their jobs at the company for their livelihood, making it difficult to get by if it closes. He therefore says he will apply for government support.

Vikki of Rave Coffee says she knows the current surge in demand is temporary and that she will soon have to close because no one will be left around. She adds: "I can see the worry on everyone’s face. Small businesses are facing a very difficult situation."

She believes that holding on a little longer will provide at least some funding and cash flow, particularly for small businesses.

Vikki says: "As long as we can pay our taxes and staff, I think this pool will help them too".

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