How have you been entertaining yourself over the last few weeks? Reading new novels? Catching up with shows on Netflix? Or planning that dream holiday for when we can all fly again? During these uncertain times, individuals have been finding a number of their own ways to stay busy during the lockdown. While some are trying new recipes and upcycling furniture, it’s evident that others are taking this opportunity to keep fit, as well as reignite their love for their favourite video games.
Lockdown activities
With over one million views on his online channel, celebrity fitness coach Joe Wicks has been helping to get the world moving, encouraging children – and their parents – to stay active during these uncertain times. But it’s not just YouTube that has been popular with people in recent times: individuals have also been gaming. Data from Starling Bank has revealed that their customers’ 7-day spend on PlayStation and Nintendo has increased by a huge 300% between the week ending 15 March 2020, up until 5 April 2020.
Spending double
In fact, the data showed that average customer spends have increased across every region in the UK. The highest jump has been in London, where the average transaction values of their customers more than doubled from £53.57 on the week ending 22 March 2020 to £107.72 the next week.
Rise in customer transactions
With a demand for bicycles and exercise equipment, outdoor and indoor games, home and garden items, reading materials, electrical items and coffee from the likes of Amazon and Argos, it’s hardly surprising that online shopping for Starling customers is up at record-breaking levels. Online transactions now regularly equate to over 50 per cent of the total transactions.
Parcel delivery
Plenty of brits like the idea of sending someone an item to cheer them up, don’t forget that parcel delivery companies such as the likes of Parcel2Go are operating normally, doing everything they can to minimise the risk presented by the spread of COVID-19. They also provide a lowest price guarantee, which means that you can benefit from fantastic prices. With so many collection and drop-off services available, you can send and receive items safely – which is of course a priority at this moment in time.
If you’re someone that is also buying items online, are you taking the necessary precautions once your parcel has arrived?Before opening your parcel, ensure that you are using an alcohol-based wipe to disinfect it. After you have removed the packaging, discard the boxes, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitiser.