// Footfall across all UK retail destinations surged by 17.7% week-on-week on Thursday 2 June, data from Springboard shows
// High streets performed strongly with events and street parties pushing footfall up 22.6%
The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II last weekend resulted in a surge of visitors to cities and towns across the UK, as the nation celebrated the 70th anniversary of her accession.
Springboard’s Jubilee weekend footfall figures revealed that footfall was up 17.7% over the Bank Holiday weekend compared to the previous week.
High streets also performed exceptionally, with Jubilee events and street parties pushing footfall up 22.6% versus 14.8% in shopping centres and 10.2% in retail parks.
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Retailers benefited from the Jubilee boost, with Springboard citing strong sales results for multiple categories, however it is still evident that Brits are currently facing underlying consumers.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPIH) shows inflation rose by 7.8% in the 12 months to April 2022, up from 6.2% in March. This is the highest recorded 12-month inflation rate in the National Statistics series, which began in January 2006.
The warm weather boosted footfall in coastal towns, which saw exceptional performance on Thursday as it was also half term.
Meanwhile, footfall fell below average levels on both Saturday and Sunday as shoppers turned their attention to more local jubilee celebrations.
Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium Helen Dickinson said: “The public took to the streets for the Jubilee celebrations, with retail footfall enjoying significant improvements over the early parts of the long weekend. More people hit the shops, with many on the hunt for Jubilee decorations, garden accessories and new outfits.
“Thursday saw the best footfall as the public readied for a weekend of celebrations, from street parties to festivals. It was great to see so many people out celebrating and shopping at their favourite local destinations – a welcome boost for retail businesses reliant on store performance, particularly on the high street. We hope that the momentum can continue despite the ongoing economic turbulence.”
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