// 15.4 million people hit the streets to shop small on Small Business Saturday last weekend
// Between them the shoppers spent around £1.1bn on the day – a record
// The data also shows that 2.2 million fewer people shopped during the day
More than £1 billion was spent with the UK’s small businesses last Saturday, as shoppers had their first weekend of being able to shop in-stores before the second lockdown.
Data from American Express showed that 15.4 million people hit the streets to shop small on Small Business Saturday, which is designed to encourage shoppers to support independent and small retailers.
Between them the shoppers spent around £1.1 billion on the day, the data shows.
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It is the biggest Small Business Saturday ever since the campaign started eight years ago, and breached the £1 billion mark for the first time.
However, the data also shows that 2.2 million fewer people shopped during the day.
The low footfall was made up for by higher spend per trip. The average per person spend rose to £70.74, up from £45.42 last year.
Around 48 per cent of shoppers said they deliberately chose to spend with smaller retailers because they wanted to support them after a tough year.
“It is fantastic to see such phenomenal, record-breaking support for small businesses, in one of the toughest years many have ever experienced,” Small Business Saturday director Michelle Ovens said.
“Small Business Saturday has been running for eight years, but this year’s campaign has been our most vital.
“We are delighted that it’s generated such a massive boost for small businesses, at a time they are facing huge challenges with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
“I have no doubt that this strong support for small businesses has been driven by recognition of the critical role they played in our communities during lockdown.
“So many firms worked hard to pivot and adapt their businesses during this national emergency, often stepping in to offer useful services, vital products, as well as being a source of practical support and kindness, particularly for the NHS and frontline workers.”
with PA Wires
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