Online roofing merchant Roofgiant has reported unprecedented sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely thanks to its ability to work with suppliers to ensure industry and consumers have access to its product range during lockdown.
While some suppliers have understandably suffered with issues related to their supply chain and manufacturing capabilities, Roofgiant has been able to offer solutions due to its large inventory offering and close ties with the roofing industry.
With close to 30,000 products available to buy online, the company has been able to support construction projects which have continued during lockdown, as well as the general public who have used the extra time to complete DIY projects at home.
Having only entered the market in October 2018, the coronavirus pandemic has been a steep learning curve for the Roofgiant team. A record month in May saw a 4,000% increase on the previous year and resulted in the sales team taking on extra members of staff to ensure customers queries and orders could be dealt with as efficiently as possible in difficult trading conditions.
Paul Allsop, operations manager at Roofgiant, said: “When the lockdown began, we weren’t sure what to expect as we knew a lot of construction projects would come to a halt. However, what we’ve seen is that plenty of smaller projects have continued and many customers are attempting jobs themselves, when previously they may have employed someone from the trade to do it for them.
“Our sales of VELUX windows in particular have shown that home renovations or newbuilds have continued during lockdown. Between April and May alone we saw a near 100% increase in our sales of VELUX, along with large increases in lead flashing, roof tiles and corrugated sheeting.”
Like every other business, Roofgiant has had to adapt and adjust to the challenges COVID-19 has presented. This has included keeping in close contact with its suppliers, many of whom have furloughed staff, to ensure product ranges are still available, while making sure customers are aware of increased lead times and the necessary distancing rules that apply upon delivery.
“As a relatively new business, this coronavirus pandemic has presented us with our first real challenge, both operationally and financially,” said Elaine Gardner, commercial and operations manager. “We’ve worked hard with our digital and marketing teams to ensure our website is up to date, and we’re being as open as we can with customers. Now, more than ever, trust is so important, and we’ve made sure this has been a key consideration in every decision we’ve made.”
As ecommerce in the UK has experienced a new high, so has ecommerce in the roofing industry. Where local roofing merchants may have had to close, online businesses such as Roofgiant have stepped up to fill that void and ensure parts of the roofing industry, and the UK economy, can keep moving during very difficult times for everybody.
