The extended platinum jubilee bank holiday was a boon for retail footfall, as some grocers reported strong sales in alcohol and commemorative food products despite the cost-of-living crisis. 

Union and jubilee flags

Total UK footfall rose by 6.9% over the four-day weekend, compared with the average for May, according to the latest footfall figures from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic IQ. 

Total UK footfall for the week increased by 17.1% compared to a usual week in the month. Thursday was the best performing day, with a 45.6% improvement in footfall, followed by Wednesday at 44.4%, compared with the average for May.  

London footfall increased 4.4% on the weekend and 9.3% for the whole week. Across all retail destinations, high streets enjoyed the biggest boost with a 3.1% growth over the period.

This jump in footfall has been beneficial for retailers, particularly grocers, which reported strong trading over the period driven by alcohol and jubilee-themed lines. 

One grocery source said: “We experienced strong trading all week, although the mixed weather hit sales in some areas. BBQ and boxed beers were among our bestsellers. Our online same-day delivery did very well. Fuel sales were up as well, with people travelling to see friends and family.”

A source at a big four grocer said: “Looks like treats for street parties were the stars of the show: Corgi Cake, Jubilee Gin, Elizabeth Sponge and cupcakes all went well”. 

A John Lewis Partnership spokesperson said jubilee ranges were “incredibly popular” and among the top performers were a gin infused with botanicals from Buckingham Palace and the limited edition Queen Elizabeth II Barbie doll, which sold out within minutes of going on sale last month. 

Waitrose’s Fiona Cairns seasonal fairy cupcakes, scones and cream were in high demand. Across May, Waitrose Entertaining sales were up 30% month on month – Victoria sponge, cupcakes and picnic foods were among the most popular lines, while rosé wine was up 18% year on year in the last week of May. The grocer said searches for jubilee lines were up 60% in the last week of May.

At John Lewis, sales of jubilee products tripled in the final week and were up 208%. Sales of garden tables rose 58% and deckchair sales were up 1,965%. Sales of teapots were up 317% and TVs up 23% week on week. Searches for ‘jubilee’ on the John Lewis website were up 55% week on week.

A Marks & Spencer spokesperson said: “We saw many Brits getting into the spirit for their jubilee celebrations.”

They added that M&S sold more than 600,000 units of its limited-edition shortbread tins while Corgi cakes sold “way above forecast”.

While an Asda spokesman would not give exact numbers ahead of presenting its half year figures to investors, he compared the sales period to the boon seen over Easter.

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