Craft Focus - October/November 2020 (Issue 81)

86 INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT Marianne Olaleye, from the Department for International Trade discusses how going online will increase global opportunities for craft businesses The early stages of the coronavirus lockdown saw many people confined to their homes seeking new hobbies and creative outlets for adults and children alike. With retail stores closing, businesses had to quickly adapt to the online world to stay afloat. In May 2020, the proportion of retail sales made online in Britain soared to the highest level on record at 33.4 per cent according to ONS, Retail sales in the UK. Craft businesses have reported a spike in online sales since March 2020, showing no signs of slowing down as we approach the festive season. Kantar predicts that 60 per cent of consumers will continue to buy as much online as they do now even after the pandemic has passed. This suggests that e-commerce will play a key role in the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus, making craft businesses well placed to weave themselves into international markets. One business making its mark in the online arts and crafts space is Bristol-based Quilted Bear. The business saw a 100 per cent increase in online sales overnight at the start of lockdown with more people at home looking to get crafty. To keep up with high demand, the company has since created 12 new jobs in its headquarters. Founded 25 years ago by husband and wife Gadi and Judy, The Quilted Bear moved its business online in 2010, now selling on eBay, Amazon, and directly through its website. The business also trades via QB Craft Wholesale, supplying shops and retailers in the crafts and haberdashery industry both across the UK and internationally. Today, The Quilted Bear exports to countries including Canada, France, Germany and the United States, with overseas sales accounting for 60 per cent of turnover. Its 35 staff are now preparing for a busy Christmas period and expecting a 50 per cent increase in sales of craft themed advent calendars, Christmas cross stitch kits, fabric dies and patchwork stocking accessories. The Quilted Bear is one of many craft businesses supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT) to expand into international markets through e-commerce. The business has worked with DIT since 2018, benefitting from export advice, competitor insights and introductions to new contacts. The Quilted Bear now expects to see a continued surge in e-commerce sales as people who were previously reluctant to shop online have become more comfortable with the idea of