Retail footfall across the UK slumped to an all-time low last week as shoppers began to heed government advice to stay indoors, with London being the hardest hit.
Shopper numbers plummeted across almost all retail destinations last week, down 21.7% from the previous week and a massive 28% year on year, according to data from Springboard.
High streets were most affected, with numbers plunging 31% on the previous week and 41% year on year, while shopping centre footfall fell 25.4% year on year.
Retail parks saw a slight increase in footfall earlier in the week, as panicked shoppers headed to large out-of-town food stores. However, as panic buying slowed and more stores closed their doors, footfall deteriorated as the week progressed. By week’s end, retail park footfall was down 2.9% overall.
In terms of UK geography, London was hit the hardest with an annual drop of 31.1% overall. Shopper numbers in central London declined a staggering 63.3% on an annual basis, while footfall in outer London dropped 21.9%.
Marketing and insights director at Springboard Diane Wehrle commented: “The decline in footfall week on week was on par with the drop normally only ever seen in the week post-Christmas. The annual change represented an unprecedented decline in retail footfall that was three times greater than the worst result we have ever previously recorded.”
High street goliaths John Lewis, Topshop and Primark are among those who have made the decision to close over the weekend.
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