The United Kingdom has been grappling with the impact of the new coronavirus restrictions on retail footfall across the country. Reports show a concerning 3.1% decline in footfall in the week leading up to October 17 compared to the previous week. Year-on-year comparisons reveal a staggering 32.3% decrease, slightly higher than the preceding week’s 30.9% drop.
The effects of these restrictions have been particularly felt in larger cities, where footfall saw a significant 5.7% decrease week-on-week. In contrast, smaller towns experienced lesser drops. Central London, though still affected, fared relatively better with a 2.3% decline in footfall compared to regional cities.
The North & Yorkshire region in England saw the highest decline in footfall at 5% due to stricter measures in place. Across various retail destinations, high streets saw a 2.8% decrease, while retail parks and shopping centers experienced declines of 3% and 3.5%, respectively.
Amid these challenges, footfall on high streets and shopping centers has plummeted by 40% and 34.6% compared to last year. In contrast, retail parks have seen a more modest decline of 13.2%, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards outdoor retail spaces.
The retail sector faces uncertainties as it navigates through these unprecedented times, with footfall figures serving as a crucial indicator of the industry’s path to recovery.
For more information on the impact of coronavirus on retail footfall, visit BBC and Financial Times.
