// Hobbycraft like-for-like sales grew 5.5% in the seven weeks to the 26 December
// It recorded click and collect orders skyrocketed 54% making up 40% of all online orders
Hobbycraft posted a 5.5% rise in like-for-like sales as the rising cost of living spurred demand for handmade gifts this Christmas.
The arts and crafts retailer’s total sales grew 7.2% in the seven weeks to the 26 December.
Surging demand for craft products saw click-and-collect orders soar 54%, which saw it make up 40% of all online orders.
Sales of jigsaws skyrocketed 220% year on year while Kids crafting kits jumped 18%.
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Hobbycraft’a in-store sales were supported by investing in a new website and shortening click-and-collect waiting times, with collections available within one hour.
Chief executive Dominic Jordan said customers helped drive its “fantastic results” as they invested in thoughful, personalised and handmade items, which also happened to be great value.
“With it being a tough year for many, the process of crafting can help with mindfulness and with something that is handmade, it is more likely to be kept for longer as it has a personal connection to that individual or loved one.”
In June, Hobbycraft reported sales jumped 14.8% to £203.1 million for the 2022 financial year from £176.9 million in 2021.
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