Kids startup sees sales increase by 3000% due to COVID-19
News Story
Small Business online retailer Timeout Bags has seen a huge increase in sales year on year since Lockdown, with concerned friends & family sending urgent Home Isolation Packs to cheer up kids in isolation.
Background
Originally set up as a bespoke Travel Activity Pack company for kids to take on holiday, Timeout Bags had to immediately adapt their business overnight in order to survive COVID-19. Since Travel was no longer on the cards, they immediately reevaluated the business and started selling Home Isolation packs to cheer up kids stuck at home. They've been able to introduce exciting new product lines including science kits, craft sets and clay projects which weren’t ideal for travelling.
Challenges
Timeout Bags is the brainchild of mum of two, Alix Porter, a former Marketing Manager at Harvey Nichols. Spotting a gap in the market for ready made Travel Activity Packs for kids, she started putting together packs for friends and family. A portion of each bag sold goes to the charity that helps her son. The huge increase in sales has put huge pressure on family life as Alix juggles homeschooling and working from home. Her two boys help road-test activities and pack snacks during their lunch break.
Quote
“Since the lockdown we’ve seen an unprecedented increase in sales of Home Isolation Packs with 80% of sales being sent out as gifts from friends and family. We’re selling over 100+ bags a week to kids all over the UK and helping charities send gifts to children they are unable to get to, due to COVID-19. We’ve experienced a steep increase in our packs being sent to children and young adults with special needs, in order to give their carers a break during lockdown.’’ Alix Porter, Founder.
Safety Tip
The company offers a non-contact collection box for customer’s picking up packs by hand.