Five popular lockdown buys

As the coronavirus crisis continues, people are often stuck at home under strict lockdown measures.

While some shoppers spent on stockpiling food initially, many are now hunting for things to make, do, and drink indoors.

A new report by Waitrose and John Lewis has tracked what its customers have been purchasing from week to week.

Although the “John Lewis Partnership is a stereotypically middle-class retailer, it has a very broad appeal,” said independent retail analyst Richard Hyman.

“Our normal lives have been completely suspended, and this report reflects that,” he added.

So what five items have proven most popular?

1. Tequila

According to Waitrose, sales of tequila increased by more than 175% between 24 March and the end of April.

2. Gym kit

It may come as little surprise then that sales of gym equipment are increasing. John Lewis says it has seen a rise of 496%, with yoga mats and ankle weights selling quickly.

3. Make-up

Customers have been investing in colourful makeup palettes, up 57%, and self-tanning products have risen 41% since 24 March.

4. Luxury bedding

Since lockdown measures were introduced, it’s also seen luxury bedding sales more than double.

5. Elastic

Retailer John Lewis also a huge increase in sales of elastic, which was attributed to people making their own face masks.

On Thursday, US retailer Etsy said it had spotted a similar trend in a trading update.