Brits Prepare Early For Contact-Free Christmas
Croft & Cole - the U.K.'s leading online real Christmas tree retailer - is reporting a sales increase of 1000% on the same period last year as customers prepare early for a contact-free, panic-free Christmas.
Concerns about a second lockdown and the need for escape into festive familiarity has led customers to order their real, British-grown, home-delivery Christmas trees early in 2020, with Croft & Cole's first pre-order received on 1st August - two months earlier than in 2019.
In fact, more than 10% of 2019's total orders have already been placed, with order numbers running approximately one month ahead of previous years.
"We took our first Christmas tree order on the 1st August this year when last year it was the 1st October," said Croft & Cole's Co-Founder and Marketing Director Rebecca Onslow-Cole. "We have received phone calls from customers panicking that they won't get a tree if they don't order this week. The last thing we want this Christmas is people panicking, but we would also encourage everyone to be organised. Due to our high standards, only a limited number of trees make the annual Croft and Cole collection, and we always sell out, so this year shoppers shouldn't leave it until late December to order, if possible."
In 2019, 81% of Croft & Cole sales were from pre-orders placed in October and November, with only 19% accounting for next-day delivery orders made in December.
"We've built our business model so that it works for everyone - the super-organised can pre-order with named-day delivery and the last-minute shoppers can select next-day delivery. This year, we've also introduced Klarna so customers can order now and pay later, and we've incorporated Amazon Pay and Apple Pay for those who like to shop with convenience."
Croft & Cole offers only the best quality Christmas trees with hassle-free delivery, a mess-free / easy-to-open box and second-to-none customer service. With a 4.8 Trust Pilot score, Croft & Cole is benefitting from customer loyalty that is founded on trust and good communication.
"Christmas has become very stressful for a lot of people so we do everything we can to provide a hassle-free, kind and convienent service," Rebecca continued. "This year, Christmas will be a different experience for many but we will encourage our customers to scale things back, focus on family and close friends and enjoy making memories around a Christmas tree.
"The Christmas tree was first brought into homes as a symbol of life and reminder that, in the darkest months, life continues and spring will come... this is perhaps a more important reminder now than ever."
For further information about Croft & Cole, the leading premium home-delivery Christmas tree company, visit www.croftandcole.com or call 01280 824 402.