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Stressed Out? Coloring Books for Adults Help Unwind... and Boost Sales

© Flickr / Marianna S.Coloring book
Coloring book - Sputnik International
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Stressed out Brits who are turning to coloring-in books to destress are boosting sales for retailers thanks to a return to childhood past-times using activity books, puzzles and dot-to-dot paintings.

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.

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.

"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."    

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