eBay have revealed that gym equipment, jigsaw puzzles, and board games were in demand as the UK went into their second lockdown. The data shows how consumers wanted to make sure their physical and mental health needs were met this coming lockdown with exercise equipment and games to keep themselves physically fit and entertained.
The spike in purchases on eBay for gym equipment, puzzles, and board games began very soon after it was announced that England would head into a month-long second lockdown from Wednesday 4th November.
- Gym equipment:
The sale of sporting goods were already on a steady rise since the pandemic began however, Strength Training & Weight sales on eBay UK instantly shot up by 500% compared to the previous week and cardio machine sales rose by 200% as the public prepared themselves for another month spent largely at home during the second lockdown.
- Toys and games:
The sales of toys and games on the platform also jumped in popularity with Sales of 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles jumping 36% following the government’s announcement, while sales of board games were up 21% on the previous day.
“Since the outset of the pandemic, we have seen distinct trends emerge on eBay UK, painting an interesting picture of how we are responding to the challenges of the crisis through our shopping habits. Not only has at-home gym equipment soared, but we have seen a revival of arts and crafts and classic family board games – and, even more recently, an uptick in purchases of outdoor patio heaters as people prepare for the winter lockdown. At the same time, it’s been brilliant to see so many entrepreneurs and small businesses on the platform adapting to the challenges imposed by the pandemic, and responding to deliver in-demand products for people up and down the country.”
– Murray Lambell, General Manager, eBay UK
