A quarter of SME retailers expect to see Easter sales increase

A quarter of SME retailers expect to see an increase in sales activity over the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail.

DIY items, electronics and alcohol are the products that most SME retailers expect will sell well over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The study found that 69% of SME retailers feel they are fully prepared for the Easter bank holiday weekend opportunity in terms of ensuring they have adequate stock and shipping facilities in place. Of these, 5% have hired additional staff to help manage order processing and fulfilment.

The expected additional demand means that many small business owners will be unable to put their feet up over the Easter break. Some 58% of retail decision makers said that they expected to be working at least one of the days over the bank holiday weekend compared to 36% of all SMEs.

Additionally, 18% of SME retailers expect to be working all four days of the bank holiday weekend to ensure that orders are fulfilled and delivered on time, compared to 12% of SME decision makers in general.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail Parcels said: “Although predominantly a time for celebration and family gatherings, Easter bank holiday weekend is now a key moment in the evolving e-commerce calendar. At Royal Mail, we support businesses across the UK and internationally. It’s encouraging to see that SMEs are fully geared up for the opportunities the upcoming long weekend presents.”