Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Retailers across the UK have transformed their window displays and expanded their selection of products in celebration of the King’s coronation which took place on May 6.
Smeg
In celebration of the King’s coronation, Smeg’s flagship store on Regent Street St James’s was transformed. A giant Union Jack toaster and a patriotic fridge greeted visitors over the weekend.
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason has added a giant peacock to its fascia, with the vibrant bird perched on a balcony above and its bright feather’s cascading down. Its windows feature scenes of flower displays and animals from around the commonwealth including flamingos, a leopard and a white stag wearing a gold crown.
John Lewis
John Lewis Partnership reported a rise in sales in coronation memorabilia. The department store group reported that “customers are stocking up on last-minute memorabilia and decorations to celebrate with friends and family.”
John Lewis said coronation-related sales were ahead 27% week on week – “our biggest week so far as we draw closer to the weekend”. Searches for ‘coronation mug’ rose 117% online and sales of a coronation spoon were ahead 216%. The £15 coronation Lewis Bear is “the best-selling edition of Lewis Bear since he was first produced in 2005.”
Seasonal buyer for John Lewis and Waitrose Jason Billings-Cray said: “The demand for our coronation Lewis Bear has been extraordinary. We’re seeing a real buzz from customers who are looking forward to celebrating the occasion and looking for souvenirs to remember it.
“Over the past week, the number of Waitrose customers searching for coronation recipes has risen by 300% on the previous week as customers start thinking about what to cook at celebratory gatherings.”
