The number of people heading out to shops across Britain rose by 0.5 per cent in the week to March 20 from a week earlier, the eighth rise in nine weeks despite a national lockdown, market researcher Springboard said.
It said shopper numbers, or footfall, climbed 4 per cent on UK high streets, but fell 4.4 per cent in retail parks and 2.3 per cent in shopping centres. Footfall across Britain remained 40.8 per cent lower than during the same week last year, Springboard said.
England entered a third national lockdown on 4 January to stem a surge in Covid-19 cases that threatened to overwhelm the health system.
The rules in England closed schools to most pupils, people were told to work from home where possible and all hospitality and non-essential shops were closed. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland imposed similar measures.
Some essential shops such as food outlets and home improvement retailers have been allowed to stay open.
Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a roadmap out of the latest pandemic-related lockdown.
Schools in England reopened for in-person lessons on March 8 and non-essential shops are scheduled to open again on April 12.
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