Saturday 6 May saw the Coronation of King Charles III, and party shops around the country enjoyed a welcome boost in sales as revellers stocked up on everything red, white and blue.
Despite most of the UK seeing heavy rain on the day of the coronation, celebrations still went ahead. Smiffys stores saw strong sales of both décor and costumes. Sam Bucknall, head of sales at Smiffys, oversees all of the retail stores. He said: “For our Smiffys retail stores, the coronation was a success. The stores were stocked in everything red, white and blue as the excitement built for the event, and we weren’t disappointed. Union Jack tableware was the best seller across the stores, with customers stocking up to add a touch of coronation décor at a low price for their BBQs and garden parties at home.
“As well as the small touches which added a festive finish to parties, we also saw customers investing in costumes for the occasion with top sellers including the Union Jack Stand Out Suit, Cape and tracksuit.”
Bunting was also a sell-out success. Michael and Angela McDonald, owners of McPops Party Supplies, commented: “First of all, we sold a lot and I mean a lot of bunting, ranging from 5m to 10m ones. We sold out of almost everything, and we only really had a few tablecloths and small waver flags (but we did go a bit overboard on those.)
“We sold face paints, cake cases, cake picks, crowns, masks, latex balloons, crown balloons, party blowers, giant flags, flag capes and union jack chocolates.
“Our counter was pretty full still by the Friday and we were worried we wouldn’t sell it all and then Friday afternoon and Saturday morning the counter was stripped bare.”
Bunting also did well for Jane Gillett, owner of Sweet Celebrations, but she also found accessories were strong: “The Coronation of King Charles was another fantastic event to add to the party celebration calendar. We stocked up on decorations including balloons, bunting and flags and costumes and dress up accessories.
“The bunting was the best seller but followed closely by red/white/blue Hawaiian leis, Union Jack hats and hair bows. Footfall was good and even though customers budget was low we were happy that we sold out. Lots of street parties, maybe not as busy as the Jubilee celebrations but still a great success.”
