Alcohol

Sales of alcohol jumped 23% during the first week of lockdown while hygiene products jumped by 40% for the same period

Sales of alcohol jumped by almost a quarter across the wholesale sector during the first week of the new English lockdown.

Consumers stocked up on booze through the convenience channel, sending the category soaring by 23% for the week ending 6 November compared with sales for the previous week, according to data from SalesOut.

The scratch cooking trend has also returned this month, with sales of cooking ingredients up by 28% for the same period. Hygiene products also leapt 40% for the same period.

However, home baking is one trend that has not returned during this time – sales remained level.

“We saw a 9% increase in sales vs the week previous within the retail sector as customers looked to ensure their shelves were adequately stocked to meet the demands of the majority of the population looking to work from home once again,” said SalesOut MD Kirsty Harris-Clarke.

“With Christmas on the horizon at the end of this current lockdown, expect to see further strong sales within alcohol, especially if the current lockdown extends further beyond early December. Strong uplifts in confectionery should also be expected as more consumers rely on convenience to top up on their trips to the supermarkets.”