A later Easter and mild weather bodes well for final card sales push this weekend
Following on from a strong Mother’s Day for greeting card retailers, Easter looks set to continue the positive trend. The later date, coupled with mild weather means that retail footfall is predicted this weekend, signalling a boost for the UK’s card stockists. Retail analysts Springboard are predicting an 8% uplift in footfall this Easter weekend, year on year.
In line with the growth that the third spring season has been enjoying over the last couple of years, this year’s Easter trade looks positive for card and gift stockists, with more than ever getting behind the event.
Fiona Fabian, owner of Papyrus in Glasgow told PG Buzz.net: “The late Easter timing has reflected on good card sales. We have just about run out of single cards, with a few days to go, so I’ve had to rummage around to find some old stock we keep in case of emergencies!”
This trend is echoed by fellow independent card retailer Rachael Barnes, co owner of Dragonfly Cards and Gifts in Knaresborough. “Easter is now bigger for us than Father’s Day,” says Rachael. “The trend in recent years for Easter decorations has helped, as we now sell as many Easter gifts as we do cards.”
Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director of retail analyst company Springboard says: “Due to the timing of national payday before Easter, mild spring weather and the continued trend for consumer spending focussed on leisure and hospitality trips, we expect this Easter to outperform the last when footfall dropped 1.9% overall, year on year. Last year Easter took place on 25 March, a few days in advance of national payday for many shoppers. This combined with poor weather conditions, impacted footfall, which declined across retail destinations from Easter Saturday onwards.”
Pictured at top: Easter display in Dragonfly Cards and Gifts.
