DIY lockdown frenzy leads to soaring sales at Yorkshire-based Swift Direct Blinds

The Yorkshire-based Swift Direct Blinds has reported "unprecedented" growth in online sales since the start of lockdown, an outcome of what it describes as a DIY frenzy.
Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.
Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.

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.

A spokesman for the Huddersfield-based firm said: "Monthly ex VAT revenue figures have increased from around £500,000 prior to lockdown to over £1 million during and post."

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David Roebuck, the company's managing director, said: “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 have seen active enquiries triple since the 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 when lockdown was announced, however, we were also receiving requests to produce blinds for commercial and key sectors including the NHS. We re-opened our factory with full protective measures in place. Office-based staff continued to work from home during this time.”

The family-run company was established by Alan Swift 50 years ago, who started the business from the back room of a post office, where he was also the postmaster.

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In the early years, the company sold and installed venetian blinds. Today, Swift Direct Blinds offers more than 15 different types of blind with 4,000 window dressing options.

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