UK DIY Sales up according to ONS:

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has calculated that retail sales rose by 0.8% over the summer months of July and August, as reported by the BBC today (18th September).

It would appear that households being confined indoors, during COVID-19 lockdown, have decided to tackle DIY projects and improve their homes as they spend more time there.

Just look at the dip in retail sales as we entered lockdown in the graph above. This reflects the high street closures at the start of lockdown.

Increase in Online Speeding

It’s good to see the increase trend in online spending across the UK (see graph below) and we concur, that the introduction of our salt and filter click and collect service has been extremely popular, which bears out the overall ONS findings.

Recovery will be a ‘mixed bag’

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said in the BBC report. “The recovery remains a mixed bag, with high growth in online sales, while city centre shops suffered as a result of low footfall.”

She added: “With further lockdowns looming, the government must provide clarity on the impact it will have for shops.

“Retailers have invested hundreds of millions making stores safe and secure for customers during the pandemic; this includes perspex screens, social distancing measures and additional hygiene measures. As such, retail remains a safe space for consumers, even under local lockdowns.”

Again we agree. We have made our showroom and working practices as secure as possible with measures in place to protect our customers and our staff. That said, as we approach a winter with the prospect of more restrictions in movement (R number grew nationally to between 1:1 -1:4 today) we want to make sure our customers still have access to the goods they need.

How to use our online shop

If you have yet to use the click & collect service, please be assured it is simply and safe to use.

You just need to click the button that says ‘Salt or Filter Click & Collect’ , anywhere it appears on our website. Or use the blue underlined links to take you to our shop page.

Salt or Filter Click & Collect

Next, just select the salt or filters you require and add the quantity you want to the box. When done click the ‘Add to Basket” button.

You will then see a basket page that reflects your purchases. The example below shows that five packs of block salt are required and one AquaScale Filter.

You will see both the cost of one item, the multiples and total of goods in your basket.

You then have the choice to either ‘Continue Shopping’, if you want other items or ‘Continue to Checkout’. This is where you pay for the goods and select your collection slot from the times available.

Before you see the time slots, you will be asked for your contact details, should we need to get in touch about this order. Your data will not be used for any other purpose. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information about how we treat your personal data.

Then select your time slot:

You will see confirmation of your order and your time slot to arrive and collect your goods.

If you have forgotten anything, there is still time to change your mind, by clicking the ‘Change order Details’ button. If you are happy to proceed, click the ‘Confirm and Pay” button.

Simply select your preferred method of payment and follow the instructions.

When you arrive at the showroom, at your allotted time, you will see your order ready for you in the Click and Collect area. As you drive in through the gates, this is to your right under the porch next to the salt store.

You place your order in to your vehicle and the job is complete. Minimising human interaction, apart from maybe to wave at Tracy and Amy in the showroom!