// Fortnum & Mason hampers almost completely sold out
// CEO says “demand this year has been unlike any other”
// Only hampers at the top end of luxury retailer’s range remain on sale
Fortnum & Mason hampers may sell out before Christmas after unprecedented demand for shoppers sending presents to loved ones they cannot see due to coronavirus restrictions.
The luxury retailer is well-known for selling an extensive range of hampers filled with food and wines for shoppers, ranging from under £100 for smaller selections to £6000 for The Imperial Hamper.
“It’s fair to say that demand this year has been unlike any other and customers have taken heed of the calls to order early as demand for courier capacity across the country has risen exponentially,” outgoing chief executive Ewan Venters told The Telegraph.
READ MORE: Fortnum & Mason appoints Tom Athron as new CEO
“We have sold out of some of our Christmas products and hampers earlier than ever before, but we have not sold out of hampers.”
While three households can mix in private homes and stay overnight over the festive period, many people in the UK will still experience a scaled-back Christmas compared to the socialising and mixing with extended families that usually takes place.
“It’s not surprising that more people are spreading Christmas cheer in that way. But we have also seen more demand for hampers for self-consumption this year as they seek to make the most of their own festive period,” Venters said.
The Fortnum & Mason website currently displays all hampers apart from its Sovereign Hamper costing £2500 and its £6000 Imperial Hamper as sold out.
To support customer demand, Fortnum & Mason said shoppers can still use the choose-your-own service to fill a hamper by coming to its store.
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