Retailers have been told to focus on implementing a core bestselling range of Christmas stock amid local lockdown concerns.

Meryl Williams, of Pike Newsagents in Porthmadog, said she is reluctant to make orders after being stuck with cards from Easter that didn’t sell.

“Fortunately, I didn’t buy too many eggs, but Christmas is a real worry,” she said. “It’s not knowing how much to order because we could have a local lockdown or a second wave. I’ve already ordered diaries and calendars, but I haven’t bought cards and might not even buy Christmas-specific chocolate.”

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However, Ferrero UK’s customer development director, Levi Boorer, said that despite challenges, he remains optimistic for an increase in gift sales this year.

“Christmas remains a time for families to celebrate,” he said. “We’d recommend that independent retailers focus on the core range first and foremost, and complement this with a few additional seasonal lines to drive intrigue in store.”

GlobalData analyst Thomas Brereton added: “There’s an opportunity to focus on Christmas goods online for collection and delivery.”

Click here for more advice and a breakdown of Ferrero’s 2020 Christmas range

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers