Darcy Wedrick takes stock of holiday trays and baskets at the Nutter's location on Dunmore Road on Friday afternoon. The locally based bulk retailer that has franchise locations across Western Canada is noting changing trends in holiday baking and assortment sales this year.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
Despite the lack of mix-and-mingle this year, Hatters are still playing Kris Kringle, and getting into the Christmas spirit in their own kitchens, according to the head of Nutters Every Day Naturals.
The bulk and specialty food retailer has seen overall sales remain somewhat stable, though sales of signature trays of nuts, candies and other delights are down, while the building blocks of cakes, cookies and other yuletide treats are up.
“People are sort of hunkering down for Christmas,” said Donald Cranston, head of Nutters, which is centred in Medicine Hat but has franchise locations in 23 cities from B.C. to Manitoba.
“It’s a real pleasant surprise the amount of home chocolate making (supplies) are selling,” said Cranston. “It’s something fun, that you can do as a family. And it’s delicious.”
Sales have increased for ingredients in Christmas baking, following a trend from the spring for bread and other baking supplies.
As for trays, traditionally picked up then dropped off at offices, sent to clients, or shared at parties, the drop is not unexpected he said.
More offices and businesses are closed to the public, sales call are rarely in person, and corporate budgets are constrained.
That’s taken wind out to the tray sales that are also linked to charity fundraising efforts.
But, the trays are still selling perhaps better than may be expected.
“We’ve found that people are buying them for themselves,” he said.
