// High streets reported an increase in footfall of 49% on bank holiday Monday compared to Easter Monday
// Footfall in retail parks increased by 42% on Saturday compared with Easter Saturday
// Overall, bank holiday weekend footfall increased by one third compared to the Easter long weekend
Footfall across the UK over the late May bank holiday weekend was a third higher than the same trading days over the Easter weekend last month, suggesting significant pent up demand among consumers.
According to the latest data from specialist tracker Springboard, high streets and retail parks experienced the greatest impact over the weekend as the warm, sunny weather enticed people out of lockdown.
High streets reported an increase in footfall of 49 per cent on bank holiday Monday compared to Easter Monday while footfall in retail parks increased by 42 per cent on Saturday compared with Easter Saturday.
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Shopping centres were the weakest destinations at the weekend, although they still rose, with a 22.7 per cent increase compared to Easter Saturday and 29.2 per cent compared to Easter Monday.
Springboard said destination towns experienced a higher footfall comparison with Easter, with footfall on bank holiday Monday in coastal towns 62 per cent higher than on Easter Monday and 59 per cent higher in historic towns.
The largest rises compared with Easter were in England where travel restrictions have been eased, with footfall on Saturday over 30 per cent higher than Easter Saturday in all regions.
On Monday footfall was more than 30 per cent higher than on Easter Monday in every part of the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where travel restrictions are still in place.
“We anticipate that once stores open on 15th June – despite the rise in online shopping that has been recorded – the evident pent up demand to go out amongst consumers will absolutely translate into footfall,” Springboard insights director Diane Wehrle said.
“However an anticipated spending spike could possibly be short lived, as consumers will be cautious and looking at reigning in their spend due to ongoing financial uncertainty in many UK households.
“Additionally, the safety of shoppers and workers will be paramount as announced yesterday by the Prime Minster, so retailers over the coming weeks will need to be working hard to ensure that customer occupancy measures in stores and destinations are in place and carefully managed so that social distancing measures can be implemented successfully.”
While all non-essential retailers will be allowed to re-open from June 15, other businesses within retail precincts such as bars, cafes, restaurants and beauty clinics or hairdressers may not be able to welcome customers until July or August.
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