Retail footfall declines worst on record as ‘true effect’ of coronavirus emerges
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.
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