// Footfall rose merely during the week when lockdown was eased

// The increase was due to an increased number of Brits leaving their homes

Footfall increased by a mere 3.3 per cent in the first week since lockdown measures were slightly lifted, as Brits stepped out of their homes.

Last week’s increase was the fourth in six weeks, but it was less than what was recorded on the week of the previous bank holiday, when footfall rose 11.7 per cent, according to Springboard.

The research found that “destination” towns such as coastal or historic locations had the most significant increases with an 8.7 and 3.8 per cent rise respectively.

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Meanwhile, high streets saw footfall increase by 1.9 per cent, considerably less than shopping centres, which saw 5.4 per cent more shoppers.

“It certainly appears that the relaxing of restrictions was well timed, as people had already started to venture out over the past six weeks,” Springboard insights director Diane Wehrle said.

“In fact, it appears that they are continuing to heed the government’s guidance and are adopting a cautious approach with regard to leaving their homes.”

Moreover, the latest BRC-Shoppertrak footfall monitor found that overall retail footfall nosedived by 84.7 per cent in April – a record decline for the industry.

Retail sales recorded their largest decline on record, plunging 19.1 per cent as shoppers remained in their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Online sales of non-food items rose by 59.7 per cent, but this was not enough to offset the collapse in footfall.

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