Another blow for the retail industry as the largest ever decline in footfall was recorded last month as consumers stayed at home, adhering to the advice from the UK Government.
Last month, data gathered from Springboard’s latest monthly footfall monitor recorded that the number of people at retail sites dropped by a colossal 80.1 percent. The decline is almost double the amount of the month of March.
“Whilst this is somewhat inevitable given the closure of all but essential stores, it is perhaps indicative of consumers getting into a new rhythm around shopping and working from home. Additionally, the overriding focus on safe shopping and the greater emphasis on community that has come to the fore means that trips to larger towns and cities have been curtailed. Indeed, it is the first evidence available that suggests how consumers may respond to easing of restrictions.”
“In contrast to pre-coronavirus days, when small high streets were facing an increasing struggle to attract shoppers, the path of recovery for retail may well be led by smaller high streets which can offer both safety and community benefits.” – Springboard marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle said.
