Retails increasing shift toward online, spurred on by the social distancing measures combating COVID-19, went into overdrive during the Easter long weekend with department store Myer recording massive spikes in sales.

According to chief customer officer Geoff Ikin overall online sales rose 800 per cent over the long weekend, with customers targeting self-care and home improvement categories. 

Sales in beauty goods rose a massive 7000 per cent on the Saturday due to the business’ one-day only beauty sales, with skincare, fragrances and makeup being the main items purchased. 

Additionally, intimate apparel orders rose 600 per cent, with customers targeting sleepwear, lingerie, activewear and underwear. 

Sales in home and entertainment also rose 300 per cent while childrenswear and menswear rose 140 per cent and 160 per cent respectively.

“Customer service and satisfaction is paramount to us, and our teams are working hard to ensure everyone receives their purchases as quickly as possible,” Ikin said.

“We’ve also reduced our free delivery threshold to $49 and have relaxed our returns policy to give customers peace of mind with any purchase they make over this coming period.”

Additionally, to support the growing online channel Myer has brought back 2000 staff members to assist with online engulfment during the current climate.

It isn’t clear which departments these staff members originally came from. Inside Retail has reached out to Myer for comment and clarification.