“We are seeing a peak in demand from online customers”

Galt Toys’ John McDonnell on seeing a boom for adult jigsaws and arts and crafts during lockdown.

As part of a series of interviews with businesses in the preschool sector, PPS speaks to John McDonnell, md at James Galt & Co, about how the company is keeping business going throughout the current restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are seeing a peak in demand from online customers; adult jigsaws [such as those pictured above] and arts and craft are booming due to the lockdown,” John explained to PreschoolNews.net, adding that the company’s immediate concern is how to fulfill all of the orders.

“Management and administrative staff are working from home, but the whole business depends on the warehouse,” John continued. “Our warehouse is third party, XPO, and they are doing a terrific job but obviously they are, quite rightly, under constraints to ensure social distancing, etc. But so far, so good.”

Longer term, like many, John believes that everything depends on the government balancing the needs of the economy with people’s safety.

John warned: “A prolonged shut down will destroy retail as we know it. I would hope that we can all get back to work very soon, albeit with certain restrictions in place.”

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