Poundland’s surge in sales of pregnancy tests points to post-lockdown baby boom

The discount retailer, which has kept most of its stores open to sell essential items, has seen weekly sales of £1 pregnancy tests rise by 25 per cent since the first week of lockdown.

Sales were up across the UK which means there are likely to be an increase in babies being born in the area in nine months.

Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands looks to have been the most romantic place in the country, with sales there outstripping the rest of the UK.

The top ten towns in the ‘league table of love’ are:

1 Sutton Coldfield

2 Slough

3 West Bromwich

4 Wealdstone

5 Kilburn

6 Nottingham

7 Woolwich

8 Pitsea, Essex,

9 Londonderry

10 Thornton Heath

Tim Bettley, trading director at Poundland, said: “If you’ve been wondering how people have been spending their time in lockdown, we’ve found the answer.

“Couples under the same roof don’t need to worry about social distancing and they’ve been getting up close and comfortable, as our sales figures show.

“Based on our sales, Britain should be preparing for a baby boom as couples found more entertaining ways to relax than watching box sets or doing jigsaws.”

Poundland’s buyers have already started planning Christmas ranges, but at this rate baby clothes and teddy bears are likely to be top of the gift list.

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