BOSTON — Online home retailers are experiencing a dramatic spike in outdoor and patio sales as more Americans spend time at home and stare down a summer of the same.
In the first quarter that ended March 31 and encompassed just the first few weeks of the stay-at-home advisories in the region, Boston-based online retailer Wayfair already saw year-over-year sales rise 20%, according to the company’s vice president of brand, Liza Lefkowski.
“There was effectively a shock to the system with so many people having to stay home, so many brick and mortar retailers not being able to stay open for folks,” Lefkowski told Boston 25 News. “So, people are kind of taking that leap and exploring online.”
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Wayfair’s competitors are also seeing large increases in patio business, Fox Business reported this month.
Overstock.com saw a reported 225% increase in patio furniture sales year-over-year since April 1, while outdoor recreational items shot up 360% during that time. Outdoor furniture and patio sales for Bed Bath & Beyond’s online outlet experienced an 88% rise in the same time period.
“This is a trend that I think we will – we’re certainly seeing right now – and I think we will see last for some period of time,” Wayfair’s Lefkowski said. “While this is a difficult moment in time for so many reasons, I’m hopeful that this focus on home is bringing people closer together and bringing some joy to them.”
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