An online survey of the UK public conducted by Landsec in partnership with Portland, has revealed that 84% of people say they are likely to visit their local high street or shopping centre the week following non-essential shops reopening.
The survey of 1,319 nationally representative UK adults, said that shopping as part of an experience will drive higher footfall into stores, with 55% of the public are most excited about bundling socialising and leisure activities (e.g. music, sports) alongside an in-person shopping trip this April.
With regards to consumer behaviour and retail spending, whilst many have reported positive experiences with online shopping, three-in-four (76%) UK adults have indicated they will revert to the same level of in-person shopping that they engaged in before the pandemic, by the autumn.
“As the reopening of the economy draws nearer, it’s clear that people want to get out and about again,” commented Bruce Findlay, managing director of retail for Landsec. “Many attitudes have certainly changed as a result of the pandemic but the human desire to come together has not. There is still a strong appetite for physical shopping and in-store experiences which cannot be replicated online. The right stores in the right locations that reconnect our communities will thrive.”
