UK household spending fell in Q1, but pet supplies spending surged to £116.8 million

According to the latest quarterly spending report released by Nationwide, British people reduced their total household spending in the first quarter but significantly increased their spending on pet supplies.

It is reported that the total transaction volume of UK orders in the first quarter was 450 million, with the largest growth in dating websites, gardening and pet supplies. Among them, pet supplies expenditure reached 116.8 million pounds, an increase of 22% over the same period last year.

According to data released by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, 3.2 million households have purchased a family pet since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia. Therefore, the growth in pet supplies is largely attributed to the large increase in the number of pets.

People's demand for pet supplies is long-term, not just temporary. Therefore, merchants engaged in pet supplies should always pay attention to the store's operating conditions and ensure sufficient supply.

In addition, the volume of orders for merchandise transactions related to online dating increased by 46% compared to last year, while sales increased by more than 33% to £3.6 million.

Affected by the epidemic blockade measures, British consumers' demand for DIY and indoor plants has continued to rise, with gardening spending increasing by 53% and sales of £62.4 million. During the third blockade, DIY spending also saw a small increase of 16%.

Mark Nalder, head of Nationwide, said: "The pandemic has had a huge impact on people's consumption patterns and concepts. Because of the lockdown, people have devoted more time to their families, gardens and pets."

It is worth noting that despite increases in spending on dating sites, gardening and pet supplies, total household spending was still down from the previous year. Essential spending fell 3.4% year-on-year, while non-essential spending fell 14.9%.

In addition, as lockdown measures were implemented around the world, travel spending fell sharply in the first quarter. Spending on public transport and taxis plummeted by 67% to £85.3 million, with the average spend per transaction being £7.86 in the first quarter of this year, compared to £10.77 in the same period last year.

Similarly, spending on cars fell 26% to £461.9m in the first quarter of this year, while spending on fuel and electricity fell 24% to £477.3m.

pet

U.K.

Consumer spending