New research from Springboard found footfall across high streets, retail parks and shopping centres was up 300% from 11-17 April compared with the same week a year ago
Research shows shoppers returned to buy as England and Wales emerge from the third lockdown. The East Midlands, South East and South West saw the greatest demand. However, despite the surge overall demand remained 25% below 2019 levels.
Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, said: ‘These results provide concrete evidence of the desire of shoppers to return to bricks and mortar stores and destinations. The key issue for retail destinations will be whether this momentum can be sustained.’
She said evidence from the last two lockdowns suggested footfall would continue to increase over the next few weeks, albeit at a lesser rate.
‘The reopening of indoor hospitality on 17 May will provide a further boost to retail destinations as many indoor venues are located in High Streets and shopping centres,’ she said.
