12 long weeks have passed since we were submerged into lockdown; an uncertain climate where there are no norms nor guarantees. But in a world where hugs are restricted and fresh air is a luxury, how have our online shopping habits been affected?
Bigger. Better. Busier…
Dentists, restaurants, pubs, shops, salons: closed and off-limits. The online cards and gifts industry however, or at least Love Kate’s’ chunk of the industry, has been bigger, better and busier than ever before. This has encouraged us to think about why we have been fortunate enough to receive such an influx of custom from the tenacious people both in the UK and worldwide.
What does ‘essential’ even mean?...
“Essential” – a buzz word that has caused Britons to question their every move during this period of ‘unprecedented’ change. Despite online shopping sales increasing by 21% in March 2020 compared to March 2019, toilet roll and hand gel were the product of choice for many consumers. As the days have rolled into weeks and Spring spiralled into Summer, it seems that people were less worried about ‘necessity’ items and more invested in spreading kindness, hope and solidarity. This has the small team at Love Kate’s thinking; kindness, hope and solidarity ARE essential. They are a necessity. And suddenly our new level of ‘busy’ makes a whole lot of sense… People need love and generosity just as much as they need sanitiser and baking powder.
Breaking habits and ditching the ‘usual’
Pre-Covid 19, there was inevitably a large category of people who opted for the ‘traditional’ method of buying cards and gifts; aisle-surfing with beady eyes, in an attempt to minimise the car park fare. For many, this was their ‘usual,’ but when that choice was taken away without warning, people had to change habits of a lifetime. A recent review by one of our lovely new customers has got us thinking… perhaps we should try and change our habits more often.
“During this very strange time when I have not been able to get to my usual card shops, Love Kate’s has been a life saver”
The world as we have always known it no longer exists. With this change there have been mountains of sadness and confusion, but at the peak of this climb we have been reminded of the value of human connection and life’s precious moments.
“Lifesaver whilst shielding”
Families have found their feet with FaceTime, windowpanes have been dressed in posters of support and bridges have been built between isolated communities. In this cocktail of positives and negatives, the Love Kate’s team have seen first-hand how we have all made efforts to connect remotely. Our record-breaking sales during this period is about much more than business acumen. It is about the heartfelt messages that pass through our handwriting service and the thoughtful gifts that have kept loved ones afloat when they needed some buoyancy. This is evidenced in our Trusted Shops reviews, as seen in this comment that made us smile:
“It made an 80-year-old very happy”
Knowing that our service is safe, easy and convenient has allowed us to work around the clock, throughout the entirety of lockdown, with sheer pride and enthusiasm. We look ahead now at the cards and gifts industry and see a future that has been revolutionised – possibly forever – by the storm that grows smaller each day.
As we start to find our ‘normal’ and regain structure, we want you to know that Love Kate’s is, and will always be, here to help spread joy and aid kindness.
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