Retail sales in London’s West End are forecast to hit £1.2bn in the run up to Christmas this year, a third more than the same period last year.
New West End Company, which represents businesses in Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Mayfair, has revealed that the figures show that the expected £1.2bn is less than half of 2019’s pre-pandemic levels.
The figures come as trading rates have been found to be down by 52 per cent despite footfall rising to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels last week. This latest footfall figure is the highest that the district has experienced since the first lockdown and it suggests that people are starting this Christmas shopping earlier than ever this year.
Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive of New West End Company, commented: “The long-term recovery of the West End is well on its way this winter, but we can all play a part in speeding up that return by making time to shop on our high streets, grabbing a bite to eat at our hard-hit restaurants and catching a show.”
The district is planning a range of festive celebrations to attract shoppers through the Christmas season.
