Brits’ streaming habits cause 475% surge in interest of related items

Strategic board games became sexy again in late 2020, when Anya Taylor-Joy came to our screens as chess prodigy Beth Harmon, in the Queen’s Gambit. With 62M households tuning in, it has become Netflix’s biggest scripted limited series to date.

But beyond watching chess matches play out on Beth’s ceiling night after night, we’ve also been inspired to have a go ourselves. Following the show’s meteoric rise to fame in October, there was a 650% increase in interest in chess boards on the PriceSpy site.

It seems that across the board, UK lockdown streaming is driving Brits to make online purchases based on their favourite shows, with up to a 475% increase in interest on related products.

With Brits spending 40% of their waking hours watching TV, PriceSpy has found that the nation’s favourite shows are influencing buying habits in other areas too. The launch of Disney + in March had a major impact on Star Wars and Disney branded products, particularly with the hit series, The Mandalorian.

The eagerly anticipated release of the second series, which has captured the nation’s hearts with Baby Yoda, is having the biggest influence on purchasing habits. PriceSpy found that following the show’s release, toys based on it saw a significant popularity surge, with a 1950% increase in interest on a Lego Mandalorian and the Child set.

Animated children’s films also made their way into the play domain, with a 100% increase in the popularity of both LEGO Disney Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace and LEGO Disney Arendelle Castle Village.

As lockdowns confined us indoors, streaming TV shows has been a go-to way for Brits to pass the time. But it’s clear we don’t just want to be passive recipients of new trends and hobbies. We’re also keen to get involved ourselves. From shopping for toys related to the Mandalorian series, to many taking up chess after the sensation of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, we’re inspired by our viewing and keen to bring it to life in our own homes.

What’s key right now is not to get too caught up in the buzz and spend way over the odds on new toys and games. Retailers are following these trends too and prices will be hiked in response. When you’re shopping, use our price history and comparison tools to get the very best deals out there. The online marketplace is getting more competitive than ever and everyone wants your money. Spending 10 minutes comparing on a price comparison site could save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year.