Special feature
Welcome back to better business! UK retail footfall jumped 88% in the third week of April as high street businesses in England, Wales and Scotland were allowed to re-open doors for the first time in months. According to researchers Springboard, UK retail footfall rose 87.8% week-on-week. Compared to this time last year, footfall was up more than four-fold. However, Springboard noted that despite last week’s big improvement, footfall is still down 25% from two years earlier but the momentum could continue to build they say. Diane Wehrle, Springboard Insights Director, added: “The key issue for retail destinations will be whether this momentum can be sustained. From our evidence of the last two lockdowns, we are expecting footfall to continue to increase over the next few weeks, albeit at a lesser rate. However, the reopening of indoor hospitality on May 17 will provide a further boost to retail destinations as many indoor venues are located in high streets and shopping centres.”
“59% of flooring retailers said sales in 2020 out-performed pre-pandemic business and 69% believe pent-up demand will drive revenue growth in 2021 even further.” The Stocklists Reader’s Survey, March 2021
Joe Staton who runs GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index says: “Spring is in the air with increases across the board on personal finances, the general economy – over the last year and next year – and on current major purchase intentions. This is definitely a movement in the right direction – consumers are feeling a tiny spring in their step.” We asked leading manufacturers and suppliers to show us what they have lined up for the selling season ahead...
The Stocklists polled 2,300 retailers throughout the UK during June 2020. Replies and comments are recorded anonymously. Many thanks to all those who took part.
Alternative Flooring’s Wool Iconic Stripe Marley on the stairway in home of Emily Murray founder of The Pink House (@pinkhouseliving)
Floor visualisation steps up Alternative Flooring’s Show Me My Room visualiser now works for stairs – another innovative move from this award-winning brand. Take four simple steps and let Show Me My Room do the rest. “We are so excited to be launching an update to the already popular Show Me My Room visualiser; this is a game changer in the flooring industry, further helping our customers to visualise our floor coverings in every space of their home, even on their stairs.” Kirsty Barton, Digital Marketing Manager
• Scan the QR code to start or visit showmemyroom.com • Enter the four-digit code number for your favourite carpet
Show Me My Room links include saving carpets to a ‘Favourites’ library which is remembered each time you access the visualiser, order samples or search for your local Alternative Flooring retailer.
• Take a photo of your room or staircase
Show Me My Room gives customers confidence in choosing carpet and making a purchase. Interior designers bring flooring to life when presenting decorating schemes. They can now take the stairs.
• Follow the steps and wait a few seconds to see your favourite carpet in your space
T 01264 335111
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www.showmemyroom.com
THE STOCKLISTS May 2021
