Latest data from retail experts Springboard revealed that footfall in UK retail destinations rose yesterday by a +155.2% from the same day last week, and by +225.2% in shopping centres. T
The rise in footfall in high streets was slightly lower at +176.1%, possibly due to the cold weather that encouraged shoppers into the enclosed environment of shopping centres.
The rise in footfall in retail parks was more modest, although still significant at +35.9% from the previous Monday. Even with this more modest rise, footfall yesterday in retail parks was +7.8% higher than on the same Monday in 2019, before the pandemic.
Across all retail destinations footfall yesterday was only 15.9% lower than on the same Monday in 2019, demonstrating the demand amongst consumers for shopping in bricks and mortar stores.
Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard commented: “The first day of retail reopening was an amazingly positive result and one which finally offers retailers with some positive news. The strong uplift highlights that consumer demand is higher than even forecasted and shows that bricks & mortar still holds a key position within the retail sector. With footfall in shopping centres rising by +225.2% and on high streets by +155.2% on the first day of trading, the sector can finally see a visible road to recovery after a difficult year.”
