High streets see the most shoppers since the beginning of the pandemic
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The number of shoppers on high streets, in shopping centres and in retail parks last month was the highest since the beginning of the pandemic, but still notably behind 2019 levels.
The largest gains in footfall were made on high streets, which continued to benefit from the reopening of hospitality, with the number of punters up a third in June compared with May.
The beginning of June, which coincided with a bank holiday and hot weather, was the best week for footfall.
The number of shoppers and punters visiting retail destinations then declined week on week for the rest of the month, with the delay to the initial ‘freedom day’ not helping matters.
Retail parks performed well compared with other shopping destinations, with footfall down just 4.1 per cent when compared with June 2019.
But shopping centres and high streets are still lagging behind, with footfall down 29.1 and 27.2 per cent respectively.
Footfall could be set to increase this month, as a combination of the school summer holidays and the full easing of Covid restrictions are likely to mean more people are out and about.
Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director at Springboard, said: “Moving into July, the opportunity for bricks and mortar retail to attract back consumers is significant.
“The removal of restrictions set for 19th July and the greater freedoms this offers – coinciding with the school summer holiday period – is likely to deliver a fresh incentive for consumers to visit bricks and mortar destinations.”