UK’s craft and design retailers look online for growth

Over eight in ten (81%) of the UK’s SME craft and design retailers are confident that their sales will continue to increase in the next year – and online marketplaces are seen as a key sales outlet, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail.

In a statement sent to Post&Parcel yesterday (21 May), Royal Mail said: “To grow sales, UK SME craft and design retailers intend to list their products on more marketplace sites (41%), look for space in another physical store (26%) and use social media (22%). Over half (52%) are also planning to increase their marketing spend and 34% intend to take advantage of the increased interest in UK exports.”

Almost three-quarters (72%) of UK SME craft and design retailers sell via their own website, 69% sell via a marketplace and 41% through social media. Eight in ten said that selling their products via online channels and marketplaces has helped to increase their sales.

The study also showed that these retailers are keen to look for opportunities beyond the UK.

Almost half (49%) of UK SME craft and design retailers export goods, with 50% importing goods. 57% of these retailers sell to overseas customers: three-quarters (74%) are based in Europe, 45% in USA and 35% in Asia. The majority (63%) of UK SME craft and design retailers are aiming to increase their international sales revenue over the next 12 months.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail Parcels commented: “The craft and design sector is booming in the UK and it’s promising to see the level of confidence from SMEs in this space. At Royal Mail, we support many retailers across a variety of sectors and we’re also helping to make exporting simpler through our easy to use Click & Drop system. We look forward to supporting more craft and design retailers in the future.”