Shopper footfall in England has surged since the reopening of non-essential shops, raising alarms about a potential post-Christmas lockdown in the UK. Contrary to previous forecasts anticipating a decrease in footfall for December, Ipsos Retail Performance (IRP) has adjusted its projections due to the unexpected uptick in visitor numbers.
Dr. Tim Denison, IRP’s director of retail intelligence, noted that the reopening of stores in England post-lockdown led to a higher level of activity than initially expected. Customers eagerly flocked to brick-and-mortar stores in search of holiday gifts, reassured by the safety protocols enforced by retailers. This unexpected surge in footfall has defied earlier estimates.
Although the recent enforcement of tier 4 restrictions in London and the South East might impact shopper traffic in those areas, footfall has remained stable in the North and Midlands where stricter measures have been in effect for a while. This bodes well for the high street as Christmas approaches.
Amid concerns of rising infection rates, there is speculation about the potential implementation of stricter measures post-Christmas across more regions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, especially following reports that a considerable number of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 had visited retail establishments in the week prior. While it’s uncertain whether these individuals contracted the virus in-store, the data raises concerns about the risks associated with crowded shopping environments.
Following Northern Ireland’s decision to enforce non-essential store closures after the holidays, there are mounting worries about the need for a broader UK-wide crackdown. Reports of crowded shopping districts like Oxford Street and the West End have only added fuel to the fire. Consequently, government officials are urging caution and advocating for responsible behavior, even in areas presently under lower tiers of restrictions.
The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and the potential consequences of holiday shopping on infection rates pose significant challenges for policymakers as they chart the way forward. Striking a delicate balance between revitalizing the economy and safeguarding public health will be critical in determining the course of action in the upcoming weeks.
For more information on how COVID-19 is impacting retail footfall, visit Ipsos Retail Performance and UK Government Coronavirus.
