Family run, Yorkshire-based Swift Direct Blinds have reported unprecedented growth in online sales since the start of lockdown, an outcome of the nation embarking on a DIY frenzy.
The online blinds retailer has seen over a 200% increase in total sales compared to the same period of time, pre-lockdown.
As a result of increased consumer spending online while DIY and non-essential shops were closed, the blinds retailer has seen a significant spike in the purchase of blinds for home renovations. Sales have been popular among both modern and contemporary designs with multiple orders per household.
David Roebuck, Managing Director attributes this down to increased time available for online browsing and convenience of ordering online.
He explains, “What we’re seeing is that people spend more time making decisions, probably taking the time to go away and measure up before returning to place an order online. We saw active enquiries alone, triple since lockdown began, and that pattern seems to be continuing. Customers are matching the ease of ordering in the comfort of their own home, with the convenience of contactless delivery to complete home renovations.
Manufacturing was paused for a short period of time when lockdown was announced however we were also receiving requests to produce blinds for commercial and key sectors including the NHS therefore re-opened our factory with full protective measures in place. Office-based staff continued to work from home during this time.”
Recognising the demand in orders and expected continuation throughout the summer, Swift Direct Blinds brought forward it’s entire rebrand ahead by six months. This includes a brand new website, multi-channel marketing activity and increased advertising spend with TV in the pipeline – topped off with a new logo and strapline.
By investing in the website and several marketing channels, the online blinds retailer can keep customers informed at every touchpoint about their honest delivery offering and stock availability while of course, promoting their extensive range of blinds.
Originally established 50 years ago as Swift Blinds, the family-run company was established by Alan Swift, who started the business from the back room of a post office, where he was also the postmaster.
In the early years, the company sold and installed venetian blinds. Today, Swift Direct Blinds offers more than 15 different types of blind with over 4,000 window dressing options.
