Lockdown could be causing baby boom as booties and blankets fly off the shelves
Could the coronavirus pandemic lead to a baby boom as amorous couples spend more time together?
It certainly seems that way based on the sales of baby wear at a Shrewsbury clothing manufacturer.
Booties and blankets have been flying off the shelves at Turtle Doves, in Harlescott, which has reported a doubling of baby wear sales over the last five weeks compared to the same period last year.
Asked whether lockdowns result in bored couples indulging in more saucy action, causing an increase in sales, manager Graham Holbrook joked: “People will have been spending more time together, and that’s about as far as I’d like to go on that!”
He added: “It’s unlikely to be a coincidence, but it’s an upside of lockdown.
Overall our sales over the last year have been up by around 12 per cent, but over these last few weeks they have doubled.
“I’m sure that’s partly down to the shops being closed as well.
“I think about 40 per cent more people are shopping online now compared to before the pandemic, and we have definitely benefitted from that.”
Turtle Doves specialises in turning pre-loved cashmere jumpers into practical and soft new accessories.
Strength
The business was launched in December 2009 when Graham’s wife and business founder, Kate, dreamed up the design for some unique wrist warmers which are also fingerless gloves.
Having made some for friends, who really liked them, she tested the idea at a local school fair.
They proved a success, prompting Kate to copyright the design and before she knew it she had two regular markets in Shrewsbury and lots of repeat custom.
Turtle Doves has gone from strength to strength since then.
Graham added: “We’re now employing 80 people, directly or indirectly, and they are all from Shropshire.”
And with Valentine’s Day fast approaching – and Shropshire love birds preparing to woo one another – Turtle Doves may need to draft in even more support in nine month’s time.
