Yorkshire-based retailer Nest has reported an impressive 25% uplift in direct-to-consumer sales in 2020 compared to the previous year, with international transactions accounting for a ‘significant’ proportion of profits despite the challenges brought about by Covid-19 and Brexit.
The luxury design destination, which employs 36 people from its Sheffield-base, says revenue exceeded predicted sales figures by more than £100K in the eight months of the financial year ending December 31st.
The increase is being largely attributed to the company’s strong online presence, which meant it was well placed to manage the surge in first-time internet sales during the lockdown period in addition to orders from its ‘well-established and loyal national and international customer base’.
In addition to the consumer sales, an influx of commercial work has also contributed to the retailer’s success, with business-to-business sales - which sees the team deliver furniture, lighting and accessory design and installation services to property developers, interior designers, architects and electrical wholesalers across the UK - now accounting for 16% of revenue.
Many of the commercial sales are now generated through the company’s newly launched self-serve B2B website, Nest Contracts, which is aimed at helping those in the business access the best in design quicker.
Ashlee Sanderson, Sales Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the Nest year-to-date. Especially during what has been such a turbulent and challenging time, not just for businesses but also for people in general.
“The loyalty we have seen from existing and new customers has been very warming for us as a small independent. We continue to remain optimistic for the last quarter of the financial year (despite further challenges, including Brexit) and we’re confident as a team that we will keep growing our loyal customer base and delivering the very best in design to homes and businesses across both our UK and International clientele.”
Working with clients to carry out work where possible in line with the Covid-19 restrictions, completed contract projects in recent months include the furnishing of the sales offices at The Urban Splash Park Hill and Cambridge House Pavilion projects; as well as the installation of mirrors in the 300-bedroom suites at the Hilton at Heathrow Airport.
