Yorkshire gift company 160% sales rise no puzzle as jigsaw demand rockets

A Yorkshire gift company has reported a 160 per cent rise in sales following an increased demand for puzzles during lockdown.

Always Personal, based in Hull, has sold more than 4,000 “Impossible Puzzles” since lockdown began in March.

It said that the puzzle is its best selling gift of the year, and has provided a challenging distraction for those struggling through a period of self-isolation.

Rob Harbord, managing director for Always Personal, commented: “The puzzle pieces are made of clear acrylic, which adds another very challenging element to building a jigsaw.

“So many of our customers have told us that they’ve gifted the puzzle to loved ones because they wanted to keep their minds busy and help them through this crisis in whatever way they could.

“I think that focusing on brain teasers and other logical tasks like this has been an ideal way for people to de-stress and, for folks in self isolation, keep the boredom at bay.

“The most popular jigsaw requested is the second hardest option of 150 pieces, and only one in twenty people are mean enough to add the extra pieces.

“The last few months have been a difficult time for so many people and we’ve been really lucky to play our part in helping some of them through it.

“The gifts we have provided have helped to put a much-needed smile on people’s faces. Some of our customers have wanted to mark a birthday, anniversary or new birth during this time.

“Others meanwhile have simply wanted to bring joy to a loved one who is in isolation and let them know, despite their distance, that they haven’t forgotten about them.”

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