This optimistic outlook comes as Easter increasingly establishes itself as one of the major shopping calendar moments for both online and bricks-and-mortar retailers. With global reach and the number one facilitator of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.

Clothing and books are the products SME retailers expect to sell the most of over the Easter bank holiday weekend. SMEs anticipate sales in these categories as Brits engage in online shopping and reading during the Easter break.

The study found that almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of SME retailers feel they are fully prepared for the Easter bank holiday weekend opportunity. Of these, nine per cent have hired additional staff to support their business during the Easter period.

The expected rise in sales means that many small business owners will be working hard over the Easter break. Over a third (36 per cent) of all businesses expect to be working at least one of the days over the Easter weekend. A quarter (25 per cent) of SME retailers expect to be working all four days of the bank holiday weekend, compared to 14 per cent of SME decision makers in general.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said “Easter tends to be a time for family and festivities but the long bank holiday weekend is also becoming a key moment in the ecommerce calendar. At Royal Mail, we support businesses across the UK and the globe. It’s great to see so many small business owners are seizing the opportunities the upcoming long weekend presents.”

Source: Royal Mail Group