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

Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.
Swift Direct Blinds is based in Huddersfield.
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.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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."

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."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"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.

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.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers.

So, please - if you can - pay for our work. Just £5 per month is the starting point. If you think that which we are trying to achieve is worth more, you can pay us what you think we are worth. By doing so, you will be investing in something that is becoming increasingly rare. Independent journalism that cares less about right and left and more about right and wrong. Journalism you can trust.

Thank you

James Mitchinson

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.