It doesn't matter whether you're 4, 14 or 40 years old, coloring-in books are the new cool and UK shops are cashing in on the craze need to pick up a pencil and unwind.
"Adult activity books, such as color therapy, extreme dot-to-dot and querkles," have helped WH Smith's profits rise for the first time over Christmas for 14 years, Stephen Clarke, chief executive of the chain said.
"Stationary sales were particularly strong, driven by investment in new product ranges and both our Stationary and Books business continue to benefit from strong sales in adult activity books, such as color therapy, extreme dot-to-dot and querkles," Clarke said.
Half-year results showed pre-tax profits increased to US$113,13 million (£80m) over the period — up from US$102 million (£72m) the year before.
Me: I have so much work to do I'm so stressed how will I ever get all this work done
— Elise Zimmerman (@Optimist_Prime_) April 13, 2016
Me:*takes out coloring book and starts stress coloring*
While it might be good news for shop sales and fewer stressed out Brits, it's not such good news for the humble crayon. The world's biggest wooden pencil manufacturer, Faber-Castell recently said a surge in the popularity for adult coloring books was threatening pencil stocks.
i want one of those stress relief coloring books. can they make one with sea monsters and flowers?
— kar (@karsengrace) April 14, 2016
"The production of our artists' pencils has increased strongly compared to the previous year," Sands Suppa from Faber-Castell recently told London newspaper The Independent.
According to the Coloring Book Club, the childhood pastime is "the latest most popular trend for reducing stress among adults that do not want to rely on medication or other therapies."
