The health crisis and the nursery business
The coronacrisis has caused a dramatic change in our industry. Now the BCMI members report about the current business situation resulting from the coronavirus infection in various countries. Read here in a new series of articles on how industry, retailers and consumers have been affected by the pandemic.
Part 1: Poland
by Urszula Kaszubowska, Editor-in-chief of Branza Dziecieca
How are nursery producers/distributors in your country doing right now?
“In March and April when all shops were closed, the market moved to the Internet but it was not the best solution for every producer/distributor, because not every company cooperates with online shops. Generally toys (board games, TV/console games, bricks, educational products) are doing better than ever. Baby hygiene products are doing well too. But prams and car seats sales fell by several percentage points below normal level. Since May 4th all shops are open again and things are getting better.“
How has the behavior of consumers of baby products changed?
“Even though the shops are open again, people still prefer online shopping. In March sales value of toys increased by 34% (vs February) and baby products by 10%. But many people have lost their jobs (in April the unemployment rate increased by 6% and may rise to 10-11% by the end of this year), so consumers will start saving and choose cheaper offers on the market.”
What could replace trade exhibitions in our industry this year?
“Many Polish companies have not decided yet whether to attend Kind + Jugend this year. Even if the fair is held, it is likely that there will be not so many visitors. All Polish exhibitions planned for the Spring are postponed to Autumn but it’s hard to suppose that they will take place in traditional way: virtual fairs will be the new reality, not only for our industry.“