This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

Face Masks Sell Out For Gift Shops

Gift retailers have experienced a welcome stampede for face coverings following Boris Johnson’s statement on Monday (July 13) that masks must be worn in shops in England, with those failing to do so incurring a £100 fine.

“The moment we get an order in it sells out straightaway!” Lara Wares, owner of Threads in Harpenden told GiftsandHome.net. “Since the announcement was made on Monday we’ve had queues outside the shop every day this week.”

She added: “We’re doing especially well with a local handmade brand that is really flying off the shelves, along with masks from Miss Shorthair. Customers are buying masks for the whole family, with some people also seeing them as a fashion accessory and wanting to co-ordinate them with what they’re wearing. Let’s hope it continues.”

Above: A Miss Shorthair fabric face mask.
Above: A Miss Shorthair fabric face mask.

It was a similar story at The Present in Barnet, North London. “I bought a starter pack from Eco Chic to try them out a few weeks ago and literally sold out in one weekend,” confirmed owner Louise Rolfe. “I re-ordered immediately and have sold out again, having just placed another order before Boris’s announcement. On Tuesday, I sold the last few I and now have a list of customers I need to call when the new masks arrive. Even then, I don’t think I’ve ordered enough as people are buying four to six at a time. I suspect they’ll continue selling quickly in the weeks to come too!”

Above: A customer at The Present in Barnet wears an Eco Chic face mask that matches her outfit.
Above: A customer at The Present in Barnet wears an Eco Chic face mask that matches her outfit.

“As soon as the announcement was made our online store went into meltdown, with people waiting outside to buy when we opened the following morning, meaning we sold out in minutes,” reported Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn. “We had a large delivery on Tuesday but 90% immediately sold online, with further deliveries expected next week.”

He continued: “I really do think it’s a positive move to help boost the confidence of shoppers, although actually policing and enforcing it shouldn’t really be the job of shop staff, so let’s hope we see a more physical presence of the police on our high streets.”

Added Cathy Wilson, shop assistant at Within Reason in Sheffield: “It’s been good to see so many customers coming in to shop with us wearing a face covering in recent days.”

 

Top: Re-usable face masks have become a welcome money spinner for gift shops. Shown are family masks from Global Journey.

MORE NEWS
PG_H
 
The March/April 2024 issue of Progressive Gifts & Home  fanfares the fabulous Greats Awards and Gift of the Year Award 2024 finalists, as well as the findings of the 18th PG&H Retail Barometer. We also take a look at what’s trending in men’s gifts, along with the very latest news, views and new product launches, plus much, much more besides!...
BB
 
Showcasing flowers from the Asteraceae family, designs incorporate specially selected illustrations from the RHS Lindley Collections of historic botanical art...
MaiaGifts
 
“In 15 years, not a single day has passed without someone complimenting the store”...
NSW
 
Daily hashtags can be used to encourage customer participation...
Greats
 
“It’s such an honour to receive this nomination”...
Women in Gifts
 
The GA’s Sarah Ward, Nest’s owner Samantha Gibbs, and Products of Change’s Helena Mansell-Stopher will be among those taking to the stage...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.