Retailers should capitalise on a prolonged period of ‘fireworks frenzy’ this month, as shoppers scramble to kit out their homes and gardens for the celebrations this year,

According to new data from Ebay, searches for ‘blanket’, ‘candle’ and ‘cashmere’ on its UK site, eBay.co.uk, shot up during the week before Bonfire Night last year, by 32%, 20% and 159% respectively.

But Ebay’s data reveals that the nation’s desire to wrap up warm and celebrate alfresco continues to long after the official celebrations are over, with searches for ‘fire pit’ on the site up 367% the day after Bonfire Night last year.

And in the week following November 5, 2016, searches for ‘candle’ rose almost eight times (783%), searches for ‘cashmere’ went up by a third (33%), while searches for fairy lights jumped 500% - which demonstrates the scale of opportunity for sellers that prepare for the prolonged peak, says Ebay.

Ebay home and gardens development manager Roz Bridges commented: “Bonfire Night is a key date in any retailer’s calendar – but few appreciate the sheer breadth of the window of opportunity. As our data shows, shoppers are continuing to search for fireworks party essentials well beyond the main event, as well as using it as an opportunity to kick-start their winter nesting.

“With Diwali celebrations in October and Guy Fawkes Night in November, the final months of the year present a huge opportunity for retailers of outdoor party-ware. But sellers need to be smart about their stock and ensure they have plenty of inventory available – from fire pits to fairy lights – to accommodate the different waves of shopper interest.” 

Read more about preparing for peak selling seasons here.