Videopro has recorded like-for-like sales growth of 20% for May compared to the prior year, including the first 10 days of the month when its stores were not open for trade and only Click & Collect was available, according to Videopro director of buying, Scott Govenlock.

“Videopro stores were in hibernation for four weeks from 14 April until 11 May 2020 to protect the health and safety of our staff and customers,” he told Appliance Retailer in a recent interview.

“Like everyone, we were looking at worst case scenario with risk mitigation, reducing stock levels and encouraging staff to take leave.

Videopro director of buying, Scott Govenlock and CEO, Ian Wright

“We were expecting our stores to remain shut until June or July, but business indicators were good after a few weeks, so we decided to re-open. Home entertainment products have been in high demand, in particular, home theatre set ups and big screen TVs, as people spend more time at home and upgrade their technology,” he said.

He continued: “We thought people may choose to sit on their hands and not spend but for our business demographic – the mid to high income earners – discretionary spend that was going to be for travel or dining out has now been used towards upgrading products at home.

“We are mainly an AV specialist but our IT business has experienced growth too, particularly with demand for work from home products such as webcams, and we have found that the JobKeeper payment program has given people more stability.”