Preparing for Peak 2026: Five Shifts in Christmas Shopping Every Online Seller Should Know About

Christmas 2026 Banner

Peak season is almost upon us. Many shoppers are already researching their gifts. By the time Black Friday deals go live, most will have already made their decisions. We have had a look at what the research says about UK shoppers and Christmas 2026, and what it means for how online sellers can prepare.

How Much Will Shoppers Spend in the Run-Up to Christmas 2026?

UK Christmas gift spending held steady in 2025, rising to £374 per shopper from £357 the year before, as households were determined to have a better Christmas than 2024 despite continuing inflation (Mintel). Black Friday played a significant role, with 72% of shoppers buying gifts during Black Friday promotions, making November the most important month for festive spending.

Black Friday itself was more mixed than the run-up suggested. Nationwide recorded 11.9 million transactions on the day, just under its forecast, while NIQ found tech and durables sales fell year on year, the first such decline across nearly all categories. Shoppers wanted to buy, but did not always find the value they were after.

Looking ahead to 2026, Salsify’s research reveals that 26% of UK shoppers plan to spend more than last year, with 51% expecting to spend about the same. One estimate puts total Christmas spending, not gifts alone, at £500 to £520 per person. November again looks set to be when the big decisions, and most transactions, take place.

Christmas 2026 Banner

What Types of Gifts Will People Be Looking for in 2026?

This year, comfort looks set to be a major influence on gift-buying as much as celebration. Research mentions the trend for “Doom Spending”, when stressful news drives demand for cosy, reassuring gifts such as home decor and nostalgic, familiar present ideas.

Shoppers are also buying fewer gifts, with more consideration going into each one. Versatility, longevity and thoughtfulness are increasingly valued over novelty, with growing interest in personalised items, and gifts from independent brands that will be kept rather than passed to a charity shop in January. People are also a lot more open to buying and receiving second-hand or refurbished gifts in 2026. Finally, pets have earned a firm place on the list, with several retailers now treating them as household members who deserve something to unwrap!

How Will Shoppers Choose Who to Buy From This Festive Season?

This year there are more factors influencing buyer choice than ever. Shoppers move between social media, marketplaces, in-store browsing, group chats and reviews before deciding where to buy. Around two-thirds plan to “webroom” this year, researching online before buying in store, while just over half plan to “showroom”, which is the reverse.

Delivery and returns offers make a real difference in who shoppers choose to buy from. UK research from Ingrid found that 82% of shoppers have reconsidered a purchase over unexpected delivery costs, and 65% say loyalty can be won or lost on delivery alone. A clear returns policy matters as much as the offer, and free or guaranteed delivery are an effective way to win repeat custom.

Online seller preparing for Christmas

Is AI Going to Be Ordering for Us This Year?

Artificial intelligence is edging into holiday shopping, though it is not yet doing the ordering for most people. UK research suggests around 59% of shoppers have already used AI somewhere in their shopping journey, with adoption highest among younger shoppers. Checkout.com found that close to half of UK shoppers plan to use an AI agent for Christmas shopping this year, though most are using it for inspiration, gift ideas and shortlists rather than handing over the purchase itself. Around seven in ten Millennials feel comfortable letting AI buy on their behalf, compared with a quarter of shoppers over 55. Concerns about losing control over purchases, and a lack of transparency in how AI decides, remain the main factors holding people back from handing over the shopping task entirely. We also read about one shopper who gave AI a budget and his credit card details and asked it to buy a surprise present for himself. It made quite a good choice! (Eliot Prince)

As an e-commerce seller, the most important thing is to ensure you have clear, accurate and full product information on your site, since that is what both your human and AI customers will be looking for and using to compare you to competitors.

Christmas Packaging Supplies for E Commerce Sellers

How Can E-Commerce Sellers Get Ready?

With key decisions increasingly made in November, hopefully your preparation for the season ahead is already underway. Just in case you are falling behind, here are some practical tasks to make sure you have on your list:

  • Update your customer lists across email, Google Ads and Social Ads, so you are reaching everyone who has given you permission to market to them.
  • Get your product and collection pages in order, with gifting collections ready, Black Friday offers set up in advance, and clear shipping and returns information.
  • Plan your social media content for the season, including gift guides and video for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Watch which channels your audience is engaging with, such as TikTok Shop, and consider working with niche influencers to extend your reach.
  • Make sure you have everything you need for your despatch and packaging, from Integrated Labels to protective packaging such as Flexi-Hex®, enough to help you cope with a sudden rise in order volume without slowing despatch down.

The businesses that do well at peak tend to be the ones that are most useful to their customers at the moment they need it, whether that is through sending a well-timed email, curating and sharing a clear gift guide or simply having stock that can be delivered right away.

At Forms Plus, we have been helping sellers through Christmas for 45 years. If you have any questions or would like any help putting an order for labels or packaging together, do get in touch.

Sources

45 Years Of Retail – How Shopping Has Changed Since Forms Plus Was Founded in 1981

Forms Plus logo (45 years)

In 2026, Forms Plus celebrates 45 years of business. To mark the occasion, we have taken a look back at how our business, retail and e-commerce generally, have changed in that time. Some of us can remember all of these developments. To others, these events make no sense at all. We hope you enjoy looking back with us, and that it doesn’t make you feel too old!

1981-1985 Forms Plus founded as ‘Kerrier Computer Services’ and the first “online” Tesco order was placed

The Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer captivated the nation and was watched by an estimated 750 million people worldwide.

The first online shopping transaction in the UK took place via Tesco’s Videotex system when a grandmother in Gateshead used her television remote control to order groceries, a remarkable preview of the e-commerce revolution to come.

Forms Plus (initially called Kerrier Computer Services and then KCS) was founded in 1981, starting out on the kitchen table with storage in the farm outbuildings. The company has had a few logos in the 45 years. Our main product lines were continuous payslips, listing paper, printer ribbons and floppy discs, none of which are still used today. In 1985, we relocated to offices in Helston.

1986-1990 The World Wide Web is founded and Victoria joins Forms Plus

Margaret Thatcher was elected for a third time. Yuppie culture started in London’s trendy boroughs.

Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web at CERN, a development that would ultimately transform retail forever.

The Channel Tunnel’s British and French sides were connected for the first time.

Victoria Andrews, now our Managing Director, started as an Order Administrator.

Victoria Andrews 30 years at Forms Plus
Victoria Andrews 1990

1991-1995 Tesco Clubcard, re-usable carrier bags and Amazon are launched

Marks and Spencer became the first UK retailer to charge for a strong, re-usable carrier bag. The bag cost 15p and was designed to last six months. Shortly after that, M&S Percy Pigs were launched.

The internet grew to over 10,000 sites worldwide and Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.

Sunday trading started, allowing large retailers to open for 6 hours.

Tesco introduced the Clubcard loyalty scheme.

1996-2000 Online shopping really takes off and Jo joins Forms Plus

HMV celebrated its 75th birthday with CDs starting at £2.99 and hearts broke across the nation as Take That announced they were splitting up.

Online shopping really took off. Amazon.co.uk launched. eBay began trading. Woolworths, Tesco and Marks and Spencer all launched their first online shopping sites. Integrated Labels saw a similar boom, as the need for pack and despatch labels grew.

Friends Reunited was launched, one of the first successful social networking sites, with the aim of connecting people with friends from their school days.

At Forms Plus, Jo Carter, now our Finance Director, started two days a week. By Jo’s second week, she was hired full-time.

Jo Carter Forms Plus 1996
Jo Carter 1996

2001-2005 ASOS becomes a major online fashion retailer

Wikipedia launched, and the Apple iPod was introduced. Both developments would reshape how consumers discovered and bought products.

The 9/11 Al-Qaeda attacks took place in the US, triggering the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

ASOS expanded beyond celebrity-inspired fashion into its own product lines, becoming a major UK online fashion retailer.

YouTube launched.

At Forms Plus, Victoria Andrews became a Director.

2006-2010 Sustainability awareness grows, and Black Friday arrives in the UK

The Stern Review on climate change raised awareness of sustainability, a theme that would increasingly influence retail and packaging decisions.

The first iPhone was released, beginning the smartphone revolution that would transform mobile shopping.

The UK saw the launch of its first “Black Friday” promotions, imported from the US by Amazon. Woolworths closed its last physical store.

Instagram was launched. Over 80% of the UK public now had internet access.

We relocated once again, to offices and warehouse space on Water Ma Trout Industrial Estate in Helston and changed our name to Forms Plus.

2011-2015 The High Street takes a battering. Social commerce grows and Victoria and Jo buy Forms Plus.

Mary Portas, known as “Mary Queen of Shops”, announced that the High Street was “degenerating”. Brands that collapsed included Oddbins, Barratts Shoes and Borders. Click-and-collect services grew rapidly as retailers bridged the gap between online and in-store shopping.

London hosted the Olympic Games, providing a major boost to retail and tourism.

Facebook made algorithm changes that meant that brands needed to start paying for advertising to be seen. Tesco had such a busy Black Friday that its website collapsed, and it had to call police to its stores.

Facebook and Twitter began offering “Buy” buttons, so brands could sell straight from the Social Media feeds.

Forms Plus underwent a management buyout by Victoria Andrews and Jo Carter, with Jo becoming a Director.

Forms Plus welcomed Sharon Ramos in 2015, now our Company Director.

2016-2020 The UK leaves the EU. COVID hits and Forms Plus launches packaging ranges from new, purpose-built premises.

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 after the Brexit referendum in 2016.

Blue Planet II aired, sparking a national conversation about plastic packaging and sustainability. Plastic bag charges showed results, with usage down by over 85%, signalling a shift in consumer and retailer attitudes to packaging waste.

COVID-19 lockdowns transformed retail overnight. Non-essential shops closed, and online retail’s share surged to nearly 28% of all sales.

Forms Plus welcomed Alison Hulley and Jayne Wood in 2017.

Forms Plus relocated to our current premises, which was purpose-built to house our offices and warehouse. In the summer, we expanded our range to supply E-Commerce Packaging.

Our New Office and Warehouse and Office Opened in 2019

2021-2025 Online retail sales soar. Demand for sustainable products grows and Forms Plus partner with Flexi-Hex®

UK online retail sales reached approximately £92 billion, making it the largest online retail market in Europe.

The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT began influencing how consumers researched and discovered products online. Online retailers such as Amazon began introducing AI features to streamline and create more personalised shopping experiences.

There was a sharp rise in social commerce, especially via TikTok Shop and Instagram.

Shoppers became increasingly conscious of sustainability with 46% saying they are happy to pay more for sustainable products.

Forms Plus formed a partnership with local sustainable packaging supplier Flexi Hex®, as their preferred distributor partner.

Flexi-Hex Bottle Sleeves
Flexi-Hex® Packaging

Forms Plus welcomed Donna Wyeth, Rafe Webb, Sharon Worden and Phil Black.

Sharon Ramos became a Director.

2026 New Year – New Logo to celebrate 45 years of trading

Forms Plus logo (45 years)

We look forward to another successful year and thank all of our customers for their loyalty to us over the years and our wonderful staff for all their hard work.

Forms Plus Staff 2026

Sources for E-Commerce History

BBC – Online Shopping: The pensioner who pioneered a home shopping revolution

House of Lords Library – The UK Economy in the 1980s

BBC – How the Big Bang changed the City of London forever

The Marks and Spencer Story – Timelines

The Guardian Business – Tesco Timeline

The Telegraph – 1994 – The year that shook Britain

Woolworths Museum – 1990s

The Grocer’s Defining Moments – 2000 to the present

The Guardian 2008 – The Mystery of Britain’s Great Spring Shopping Spree

Gravity Global – The Biggest Digital Marketing Trends and Events of the 2010s

Royal Mail Are Now Charging For Despatch Labels – Have You Seen Our Prices?

Direct Thermal Labels from Forms Plus

From 19 January 2026, Royal Mail are introducing a charge for their despatch labels. Did you know we stock the same 6 x 4 Direct Thermal labels and ours are very competitively priced, from just £4.45 per roll of 500 labels?

You might also consider using Integrated Labels such as our FPS-15 Labels, that combine the despatch note and shipping label sheet in one, with an easy peel address label.

To find out more, and see our pricing, use the links below.

If you need any help placing your order, or have any questions, do get in touch. 

From Career Advice to Barbecue Tips – A Summer Update from the Forms Plus Team

Forms Plus Team July 2025

We’re a friendly bunch at Forms Plus, and we thought you’d like to know a bit more about the people behind your print and packaging orders. Rather than the usual “tell us about yourself” approach, we asked the team some questions about work, home life, and how they’re enjoying Summer so far.

We hope you’ll find their responses interesting. You might even feel inspired to organise your own beach barbecue after reading their suggestions!

This time we heard from Victoria (MD), Jo (Finance Director), Sharon (Company Director), Jayne (Despatch Co-ordinator), Donna (Admin Co-ordinator), Rafe (Customer Advisor), Sharon W (Finance Administrator) and Phil (Warehouse Supervisor).

Forms Plus Team July 2025
Forms Plus Team July 2025

What have you learnt recently that has made the most difference to your life?

Victoria and Sharon have both been thinking about health and fitness. Victoria reminds us that “health is wealth” and we should all make the most of our good health. Sharon W is doing just that by learning Pilates, helping her to unwind and feel much better.

Focussing on mental health, Donna has learnt to be more resilient, taking one day at a time. Jayne is also working on resilience, and being able to adapt when life sends you a curveball. Meanwhile, Jo has been developing confidence to go with her own instincts, rather than being swayed by others.

On a more practical level, Rafe has discovered that email reminders can be a game changer for timekeeping and organisation.

What is the best piece of career advice you have received?

Victoria tries to follow the golden rule of treating others as you would expect to be treated, by considering things from other people’s point of view, to help them feel valued.  In her teens, Jo was advised to “make things happen for yourself, no one is going to do it for you”, which has stayed with her throughout her career.

Sharon reminded us of a good old Geordie saying, “Shy bairns get nowt”, meaning that if you don’t ask for what you want, you won’t get it. This proves particularly handy when negotiating with suppliers!

Our Customer Advisor Rafe emphasises that “People buy from people” and aims to build a trustworthy connection with his customers, listening to what they want and offering the best solution.

Sharon W keeps organised with a diary to ensure nothing gets forgotten, whilst Donna recommends never being afraid to re-ask a question if you don’t understand. Phil and Jayne added that we should never be afraid to ask for help, even if people are busy. Phil is certainly putting that into practice as he learns his new role as the Forms Plus Warehouse Supervisor.

Aside from Forms Plus packaging, what’s the most innovative packaging you have seen?

The team have seen some great examples of innovative packaging. Victoria was impressed by the dissolvable bags used for some clothing deliveries, whilst Jo highlighted Lush’s cork packaging. Rafe mentioned mushroom-based packaging as an excellent alternative to polystyrene.

Jayne was recently very impressed by the presentation of a gift box she received as a present, shaped to fit each product exactly.

Gift box packaging
Impressive Gift Box Packaging!

During her recent holiday in Mauritius, Sharon W discovered water bottles made from sugar cane that were completely compostable and made use of parts of the sugar cane that weren’t needed for anything else. Donna appreciated the simple innovation of cardboard carriers that pack individual oranges together – so much better than plastic.

Where’s your favourite place to spend time in Cornwall in the summer?

The sea is a particular favourite for our team. Jo finds being on or near the water allows her to escape and feel free and calm. Sharon enjoys watching her son crabbing at Porthleven Harbour, especially how happy he is when he catches something. Sharon W can often be found walking the coast path around the Lizard Peninsula, with friends and family. Jayne would be nearby at Church Cove, Gunwalloe and doesn’t mind walking her dog there on a lovely summer day, or storm watching as the seas get wilder in the winter. Donna prefers the North Coast, particularly the long sandy stretch of Gwithian Beach, where there are plenty of surfers to watch.   

Rafe’s favourite spot is in the garden with his cat Tux and Phil can be found wherever his boys are playing football or cricket. Victoria loves anywhere she can be with her family, noting that there are plenty of beautiful places to choose from in Cornwall.

Forms Plus Team July 2025
Jo, Sharon and Victoria Enjoying the Sunshine on a Lunchtime Team Walk in Helston

What would you bring to a team summer barbecue?

Asking this question has made us hungry, as it seems we could be in for quite a feast!

Victoria starts the evening off by providing crisps and Rosé wine. Jayne brings the bubbles with her new discovery, Sparklante – a sparkling Shiraz!

For the barbecue itself, Jo would contribute teriyaki chicken kebabs and Sharon insists on Posh Puppies sausages from M&S. Phil would pack his picnic basket with beer and buffalo wings, whilst Donna has the vegetarian options covered with halloumi (and tequila!).

When it comes to dessert, Sharon W will be very welcome, bearing a meringue roulade with lots of fruit, topped off with clotted cream. Rafe reminded us to bring sunscreen and a hat. Now we just need the weather to make it happen!  

We hope you are all having a lovely summer. If you do come down to Cornwall to see the sea this summer, you’d be very welcome to pop in for a cup of tea, if not tequila and buffalo wings!

Forms Plus Team July 25
Jayne, Sharon W, Rafe and Phil

How Do You Print Your Integrated Labels?

HWould you like to save on replacement ink and toner?

Our client Ink Jungle are currently offering a 6% saving for Forms Plus customers on all their toners that are compatible with our Integrated Labels.  You can download a full price list including the discounts available here.

Simply use the code FORMSPLUS for 6% off the toner you need when you reach the checkout. The offer runs until 31/12/2025.

Laser printer for integrated labels

Ink Jungle has also recently published a blog about the best laser printers for small and medium businesses that you might find useful. If you are also interested in buying the printer, do contact Ink Jungle as they may be able to offer you a good price.

Ink Jungle sell lots of items that might be helpful to businesses who work with us, including genuine and compatible inkjet cartridges and laser toner, batteries, phone accessories and PPE supplies. Have a look at their website to find out more.

Preparing for Peak 2024 – What to Expect Online for Christmas Retail 2024

Christmas Countdown 2024

The heating is coming on and the kids are back at school. To those of us working in e-commerce, that means it’s time to make sure we have all our plans in place for Christmas shopping.  E-commerce has struggled this year, particularly in January and April, but what are experts predicting for the rest of 2024? And how can you use that information to make the most of the golden quarter?

Increased Confidence Amongst Higher Earners.

Researchers at Retail Week have looked at the economic climate and how this might impact on shoppers’ confidence and spending power.  They believe that consumer confidence is gradually improving, especially amongst those with the most disposable income to start with. 

Those of you selling to higher earners may see your customers use Christmas as an excuse to splash out on luxury goods. Fashion, jewellery and fragrance retailers including Sosandar, Pandora and The Fragrance Shop, all reported healthy year-on-year growth last year and expect more of the same.

How could you make the most of customers who are more inclined to purchase luxury products at this time of year?

Christmas Countdown 2024

Cautious Optimism Where Spending Power is Challenged

Analysts believe we are through the worst of the cost-of-living crisis and into a phase of “cautious optimism”, but customers with lower disposable income are still buying carefully. This is particularly true of the “aspirational millennial” group of 30–40-year-olds who are often struggling with higher mortgage and loan rates.

Rather than trading down to cheaper brands, these shoppers appear to be staying loyal to their favourite retailers but reducing how frequently they buy. This loyalty is partly driven by an affiliation to the brand, but also by a desire to only spend on quality, durable products.

Retail Week advises brands who serve these customers to take advantage of this loyalty, but to be prepared for their customers to be more financially challenged this year.

Little Indulgences

In 2023, the Health and Beauty sector did particularly well from sales of “little luxuries”.  This was seen as a form of retail therapy, to counter all the bad news in the world.

This year, the trend for purchasing small treats is predicted to extend into luxury food and drink, sentimental gifts and other areas. Whether as a stocking filler for someone else, or a small self-purchase, can you make sure you have a good selection of “little somethings” prominent on your site and sales channels?  

How Will Different Sectors Perform?

As in 2023, Health and Beauty is expected to be one of the major performers this season.  Social Media activity, especially TikTok, is proving a strong driver, and trends to look out for include “natural skincare”, “gentle beauty”, vegan and sustainable options.  Own brand products, such as Boots Natural Collection, are also helping many health and beauty sellers to improve margins and drive growth.

Homeware sales are also predicted to grow, partly because imported products are slightly cheaper than this time last year.  Trends that should do well include Christmas decorations, sustainable products, seasonal lighting and lower ticket items such as soft furnishings that help smarten up homes when people choose to “improve not move”. Eco-friendly packaging, such as the sleeves we stock from Flexi-Hex® are ideal for packaging these type of items.

Fashion retailers have had a rocky time recently. Many have cut back and now offer a more streamlined range, with services such as “try before you buy” to help increase sales.  Things are improving, but shoppers are definitely looking carefully for the best products at the best prices. The quality of the brand and item are often more important than whether it comes from the current season. This has led to growth in the pre-loved market, through platforms such as Vinted and Ebay. 

Electrical items and gadgets also struggled last year, but this sector does well from Black Friday deals. This year is predicted to continue that trend, with offers starting early.  Gaming products are expected to be popular, as well as products that promote sustainable living.

Toys and games always sell well at Christmas, as parents prioritise buying gifts for their children over other purchases. This year, the “kidult” market, for children over 12 years old, is particularly highlighted as providing opportunity for growth.  


Could you take advantage of any of these trends with products you sell?

Subscriptions and Loyalty-Led Pricing

Membership and subscription schemes have both been powerful marketing drivers for retailers this year.  Supermarkets and our clients Boots use loyalty cards to offer discounted prices whilst online retailers such as The Fragrance Shop, Lemonade Dolls and our clients H&M, are pushing membership pricing and subscriptions as a way to increase lifetime value.

Other retailers, such as John Lewis, use membership schemes to push personalised offers, in-store treats and special access to events and product launches.

If you are offering memberships, then are you using the data provided to target and personalise promotions, making offers more appealing and more likely to convert?  

When Will People Shop?

Last year, nearly a fifth of consumers started buying gifts in October to help spread costs. Many retailers, including Amazon, offered deals earlier than usual to take advantage of this.  According to the IPA, parents of younger children are more likely to shop early, but almost a third of shoppers expect to still be gathering gifts in December. 


This year Black Friday is on November 29th, which is closer to Christmas than before and coincides with payday for many shoppers.  The most common marketing message for Black Friday over the last 3 years has been a discount on “selected products up to”, rather than a site-wide offer. Younger people are more likely to take advantage of Black Friday deals and may spend at least a quarter of their shopping budget during this time.

Is your marketing plan timed to make the most of these patterns of purchasing?

TikTok Driving Beauty Sales

Social Media as a Sales Driver

Whilst we have already mentioned TikTok as a driver for beauty sales, Social Media is going to be important across the age demographics this year.  Social channels are now the second most influential platform for people looking for shopping inspiration, whether it is “BookTok” sending people to Waterstones, home styling inspiration on B&Q’s Facebook page or sparkly things on Instagram pushing gift buyers towards Pandora.

Is your Social Media optimised for promoting sales?

Flexi Hex packaging for Christmas Gifts
Our Eco-Friendly packaging from Flexi-Hex® is perfect for mailing Christmas gifts

How Can Forms Plus Help You Prepare?

At Forms Plus, with over 40 years in business, we’ve possibly been helping retail clients trade through the hectic festive season for more Christmas’s than you remember!  We stock a wide range of mailing supplies, protective packaging and labels, including plenty of sustainable options.  This means that we can meet the needs of all kinds of retailers. Our friendly team of experienced staff are always happy to help you make the best choices for your business.

Do have a browse of our products today and get in touch if there is anything we can do to help you prepare for what we hope will be a busy and profitable season ahead.

Our Team Socials, Charity, Team Building and and Environmental Work. We’ve been busy!

Forms Plus Team at Jumunjy

Alongside fulfilling your orders, launching our new customised packaging range and planning our stock for the busy season ahead, the Forms Plus Team have been having some fun together, supporting our charities and continuing with our Team Wellbeing events. We thought we’d use this blog to give you the lowdown on what we have been up to….

Health and Safety

Running a busy warehouse and office, we have to keep on top of our Health and Safety Training.  We had a super informative and practical Fire Training session recently with the cleverly named Helfire Ltd using extinguishers on different types of fires in our yard. 

We are very keen to uphold our reputation as a Healthy Workplace. This year’s Health and Wellbeing Events have so far included a talk on Breathing and Stretching, in which we learnt to breathe like a lion, and keeping up our Team Walks, especially during National Walking Month in May. 

Team Building

In May, we all took part in a Team Building Day, put on by Treluggan Associates, when we learnt more about each other’s personality colour types and made great use of our warehouse space for some Team Building games.

Socials

Outside of work, we have had some excellent Team Socials. At Christmas time we held our annual Secret Santa Night Out and enjoyed an overnight stay and celebration Christmas Dinner at the Carlyon Bay Hotel.

Spring and summer events have included our regular quarterly breakfast meetings, including one on Poldhu Beach when the weather allowed, and a delicious dinner at Jumunjy which most of the Team voted as their favourite event of the year in a recent poll!

Charity and Environment

At Forms Plus, we are keen supporters of our chosen charities. This year we have donated to Cornwall Air Ambulance instead of sending our Christmas Cards, supported our local Christmas Food Box scheme and held a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support – the cakes for that were particularly memorable!

We also continue to do what we can for the environment. As well as now offering a range of eco-friendly packaging, we like to do our bit locally. Recently this included a team beach clean at Gunwalloe as part of the Surfers Against Sewage Million Mile Clean where we collected quite a few sacks of plastic and rubbish that would otherwise have ended up in the sea.

If you’d like to know more about any of these events, or indeed if we can help you with your forms and packaging orders, do get in touch!

Meet the Team – Updates and Introductions

Forms Plus Teambuilding Day

Whilst some of us have been here rather a long time (34 years!), we also have a few new faces on the Team at Forms Plus. We thought it might be helpful to give you an idea of who is behind the voice on the phone, or the email, so we asked all our Team Members to introduce themselves by answering a few questions. We hope you’ll enjoy meeting the Team as much as we enjoy getting to know our Customers.

Victoria Andrews Forms Plus
Victoria Andrews

Victoria Andrews

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Managing Director

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Oversee and making decisions that affect the running of the business as a whole, ranging from Business Development, Sales, HR, Marketing and Customer Service.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
34 years.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
We sell to many of the largest online retailers in the country and have been trading for almost 45 years.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
I use a Hybrid car, keeping it on electric mode as much as possible. It’s so quiet it makes you feel like you are being kinder to the environment. We also recycle as much as possible at home.

Jo Carter

Jo Carter

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Finance Director and Shareholder

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, reporting and completion of all financial information and statements for the company.  Decision-making on the business as a whole.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
28 years!

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
Management necessitates gold standard customer service, product knowledge and product quality and this is achieved by implementing and supporting our employees’ training, morale and wellbeing, which is our top priority.  Leading by example has reflected well on the team as they are all great at looking out for each other.  This ensures that our customers are given only the very best service, as acknowledged in our Trustpilot reviews and direct feedback.  

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
I do many things but am mostly conscious about limiting chemicals on and in my body.  I buy all my meat and most of my veg from the local organic farm shop and use as little chemicals as possible in my home and garden, including eco-friendly laundry sheets.

Sharon at Forms Plus
Sharon Ramos

Sharon Ramos

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Company Director

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
One of the things I love about my role is every day is different, I can be driving a fork lift, out on the road meeting customers, carrying out staff appraisals, dealing with complaints, that’s just to name a few.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
9 years.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
We pride ourselves on our customer service. We have a lot of processes in place to ensure we deliver the best service and this is trained with new starters from day one.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
I used to buy bottles of water from the supermarket and in a bid to reduce my plastic waste I refill a water bottle instead.

Jayne at Forms Plus
Jayne Wood

Jayne Wood

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Despatch Coordinator

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Processing website and sales orders, ensuring that they are prepared for shipping, checking that deliveries are on schedule, sorting out any delays and complaints. I am also Fire Marshall, order the office supplies and organise Team Walks.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
7 years.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
How we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service, being loyal to our customers and that we go above and beyond ensuring the customer has the best products at the best price.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
We are recycling a lot more at home and managing to reduce what we put in the general bins.

Alison at Forms Plus
Alison Hulley

Alison Hulley

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Sales Executive

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Sales and dealing with all sides of Labels and Packaging, managing accounts.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
7 years.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
That we have been around a long time and deal with a lot of big name businesses.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
I try to buy as much clothing as possible second-hand on Vinted.

Donna at Forms Plus
Donna Wyeth

Donna Wyeth

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Administrative Co-ordinator

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
My typical day involves processing bespoke customer orders from quote stage and making sure customer orders are delivered on time. I also ensure the stock product lists are kept up to date and place orders with suppliers when required. I help where I can and provide staff holiday cover where possible.  

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
2 years.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
How amazing our customer service is, our customers really do come first.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
When eating or drinking out I always bring home any food or drink packaging that can be recycled. I no longer use any pesticides or weed killer in our garden.

Rafe at Forms Plus
Rafe Webb

Rafe Webb

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Customer Service Advisor

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
I take both reception calls and sales calls, create and dispatch samples, pick, pack and drive the forklift, and help where I can with anything else. 

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
18 months.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
Everything we do is to make the customer experience as smooth and attentive as possible.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
I always leave part of the garden to grow wild to help support nature and bees.

Sharon Worden
Sharon Worden

Sharon Worden

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Finance Administrator

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Dealing with the day-to-day account’s transactions, chasing overdue accounts and keeping the records up to date.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
1 year.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
How approachable all the staff are and that we try to give the best customer service possible.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
Being a farmer’s wife, a lot of what I do is with environmental impact in mind. When my children were babies (a while ago now), I used washable nappies as I didn’t like the thought of all the waste going to landfill.  I now try to recycle and reuse items as much as possible and have composted all peelings and waste for years on the farm. Unwanted clothes go to charity shops if re-useable or go to a local charity for recycling.

Paul at Forms Plus
Paul Andrewartha

Paul Andrewartha

What’s your role? What is your official title?
Warehouse Supervisor

How would you describe in layman’s terms what you actually do?
Making sure the Warehouse is running smoothly. Picking customer orders, wrapping them on a pallet or into boxes and sending them away to the customer, via our network of couriers.

How long have you been with Forms Plus?
6 months.

What’s the one thing you think Forms Plus’s customers should know about the company?
We are all like a big family and are a super well-coordinated team.

Forms Plus are working hard to be as eco-friendly as possible, what is one thing you have done in your own life to become more sustainable?
We are in the process of removing our boiler and replacing with an air source heat pump, as well as already having a smart meter to give a more accurate reading on our consumption.

We hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about our Team. Do get in touch if we can help you with putting an order together, any enquiries about our products, or indeed if you’d just like to get to know us a little better!

Should You Smarten Up Your Selling Practices? 10 Ways AI Can Help E-Commerce Businesses

AI in Ecommerce robot

From generating surreal images, to predicting serious health conditions, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are helping professionals in many areas of life to save time, work more efficiently and do their jobs better.  We took a look at how AI can help online retailers simplify, speed up and optimise their e-commerce operations.

  1. Personalised Product Recommendations – Where previously you might have added in “products you might also like” manually, AI algorithms can now do this upselling and cross selling for you. Recommendations are based on an individual’s previous purchases, browsing history and product searches. This is how Netflix recommends other programmes you might like, and how Amazon makes each customer’s homepage unique. Shopify Apps that use AI for recommendations, include Wiser and LimeSpot.
  2. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants – If your team spend a lot of time helping with product enquiries, providing updates on order status, or resolving common issues, an AI Chatbot might save you time and money, and improve your customer service by offering support 24/7. The most popular tools for setting up a Virtual Assistant include Tidio and Zendesk.
  3. Inventory Management and Forecasting – Predicting demand and managing inventory levels are crucial to running any e-commerce business, and AI can help here too. Tools that use AI for Inventory Management include Bee Low and Sortly.  
  4. Content Generation – Probably the AI tools that most people are familiar with, generative AI options such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Dall-E are great for helping you get started with blog writing, generating ideas for emails and even image generation. (And, yes we did use ChatGPT to get started with this blog!).
  5. Search Engine Optimisation – SEO involves a lot of repetitive tasks, that are perfect for handing over to AI.  Tools such as Yoast are now using AI to help you write SEO Titles and Metadescriptions. Jasper can generate SEO-optimised blogs and Outranking uses data from top ranking sites to help you find opportunities to rank your pages higher.
  6. Advertising – AI is now frequently used to optimise Pay Per Click Search, Display and Social Media ads. It can dynamically adjust ad images, videos, headlines, and descriptions to the combinations that are most likely to perform, test them, and put them in front of the right people at the right time.  Campaigns such as Google’s Performance Max and Meta’s Advantage+ make heavy use of these types of technologies.  
  7. Email Marketing – AI algorithms can help increase conversion rates from your customer emails by analysing customer data to personalise the content, adjust the sending time and predict which customers are most likely to convert. Omnisend and MailChimp both make use of AI.
  8. Image Optimisation – Worried about the state of your product images? AI image clean up tools can instantly remove the background from product shots, add AI-generated backgrounds and resize your images for a variety of placements.  Shopify Apps to help with image and video optimisation include CreatorKit and Pebblely.
  9. Optimising Packaging Design and Sizing – Whilst our team are great at advising you on the best dimensions, protection levels and product types for packaging your products, AI tools can do that too. Amazon uses AI tools to help select the optimal packaging type for each item, whether that is a mailing bag, cardboard box or an envelope. 
  10. Reducing Environmental Impact – We are of course, very happy to talk you through the environmental implications of your packaging choices, and the eco-friendly options available to you, but this is also somewhere AI is helping.  Smart Packaging options such as sensors and RFID tags are now being used to track and monitor a product’s journey to the consumer, providing data such as humidity, temperature and even how roughly the item is handled. This data then helps optimise the way it is packaged in future, keeping packaging sizes down, minimising waste, reducing carbon consumption and of course, lowering costs.

    When your packaging meets the end of its current life, AI tools help recycle it. AI-driven automated recycling systems use algorithms to identify, sort, clean and process our recycling so it can be re-used with minimal wastage. 

As you can see, AI is already well used by e-commerce sellers, and new tools to increase efficiency, improve customer satisfaction and even increase conversion rates are emerging all the time.  These are great time savers, but do come with risks, so do oversee any work that AI does for you, perhaps as you would for a new junior member of staff!

We hope that whilst AI might make all our jobs easier, by taking away some of the more repetitive or analytical tasks, it will allow us to focus on areas we find more stimulating such as developing our business creatively or spending more time with customers.  Do let us know your thoughts and experiences with using AI for your business and get in touch any time you would prefer to speak to a human!

A Few Of Our Favourite Things – Introducing the Forms Plus Team

Kynance Cove - one of our favourite beaches near Forms Plus

As summer gets underway, we have a few new faces at Forms Plus and realise it has been a while since we shared any team news with you.  Our latest blog introduces the team, and gives you an idea of how they love to make the most of the good weather down here in Cornwall…

In alphabetical order…

Alison Hulley has been with Forms Plus for over 6 years. As our Sales Representative, you may well have spoken to Alison about your labels and packaging needs.

Outside of work, Alison’s summer consists of beaches, gigs and events. She loves the Let’s Rock Festival, time on the beach at Pedn Vounder and barbecues, especially if there is Belly Pork on the menu. 

Our Administrative Co-ordinator, who joined last autumn, Donna Wyeth helps across the whole business, supporting the team as we need her. 

Like many locals, Donna is a bit secretive about her favourite beach (and we don’t blame her!), but she loves walking along the coastal path and enjoying time with friends.  Her favourite summer event in Cornwall is the St Ives Food and Drink Festival where she’ll seek out the barbecued halloumi.

Ian Foster is the Warehouse Manager for Forms Plus. Ian has been with us for about 4 years and his job is to make sure the warehouse operations run smoothly. 

Ian’s summer hobbies include fishing, perhaps around Perranporth or St Agnes, or joining in the summer festivals, such as Mazey Day or Golowan in Penzance.  We think there may be a touch of the Pirate about him, as his Guilty Pleasure is a rum or two in the sun.

Jayne Wood is our Despatch Co-ordinator.  If you have ever called us, you have probably spoken to Jayne. She has been with Forms Plus for 6 years and her role includes processing orders, collecting payments, arranging couriers, answering the phone and helping with administration. If our alarm goes off, as Fire Marshall, Jayne dons the hi viz and makes sure we get out of the building safely. 

In the summertime, Jayne loves the colour of the sea in Cornwall.  On warmer days off, she’ll be found sitting on Praa Sands, where you could easily be somewhere tropical.  If it’s a bit cooler, she enjoys walking her dog Monty on the beach.  And if it’s raining, her Guilty Pleasure is watching Love Island. We wonder if that’s the island she’s thinking of when she is at Praa Sands? 

Jo Carter is our Finance Director. Jo keeps all our finances in order and has been with Forms Plus for an amazing 27 years.

Jo’s favourite beaches are the secluded ones you can only get to by boat. She loves nothing more than tripping around the coastline with her family.  In the evening, Jo loves teriyaki chicken skewers on the barbecue with a glass of red and perhaps some chocolate to follow. Perhaps the highlight of her summer though is dressing up for her favourite event, Falmouth’s famous Pink Wig Party, which raises funds for Breast Cancer Research every summer. 

Karen Melbourne joined Forms Plus this year as an Administrator, processing orders and supporting with other admin tasks. 

In the summertime, Karen loves the beautiful beaches here in Cornwall, especially at Hayle or anywhere with some live music.  She loves Porthleven Food Festival but isn’t fussy at a barbecue and recommends keeping it simple with burgers and hot dogs! 

Nicola Burgess is our Print Co-ordinator. She has been with us for almost 3 years and works on the bespoke printing side of the business, processing customer orders and helping on new projects with customers and manufacturers.

Nicola’s summer adventures include exploring the coves around Rinsey on her paddleboard or enjoying a few beers in the sunshine, perhaps at one of the Sundowner music events that have popped up around the coast. 

Rafe Webb joined Forms Plus earlier this year as a Customer Service Advisor. You may have spoken to him on the phone with your order. He also helps with data processing and can sometimes be found keeping on top of things in the warehouse.

Rafe’s summer passions seem to involve a lot of cheese. His favourite annual event is Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire, and his Guilty Pleasure is a baked Brie with bread to dip. Luckily, he also enjoys going for a run in the sun, mowing the lawn and working out!

Sharon Ramos is a Company Director and a woman of many talents, who has been with us for 8 years, having relocated for the North East.  She works on everything from IT support, to HR, Orders, Sales and is also a forklift driver. 

In the summer, Sharon loves an ice-cold Rattler (local cider) with friends on Porthcurno Beach or singing along at the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.  Sharon enjoys following Newcastle United football team and her Guilty Pleasure is watching ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’!

Sharon Worden, our Accounts Administrator has been with us for a few weeks now, with the important task of making sure everything runs to plan in the Accounts Department. 

This week, Sharon is excited about attending the Royal Cornwall Show.  For the rest of the summer, she loves coastal walks or runs, or spending time on the stunning beaches near us at Gunwalloe. In the evening, a gin and lemonade takes the pain of the numbers away.

Last, but not least, our MD, Victoria Andrews has been with Forms Plus for 33 years. A very hands-on leader, Victoria has a go at everything and anything the company needs.

When she does get some downtime, Victoria is a big fan of the stunning walk down to the crystal-clear water of Kynance Cove.  She enjoys long lunches in the sun, with friends and family, king prawns on the barbecue and a nice bottle of wine. Or, occasionally, a trip up to Hyde Park for Party in the Park.

Whatever you are up to this summer, we hope that business is going well, and you are getting plenty of time to relax too.  Now you have met us all a little, do get in touch if we can help with anything.