Shopper numbers at British retail destinations have fallen for a fourth straight week following tougher government measures to stem a second wave of COVID-19, market researcher Springboard said on Monday.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a tiered system of restrictions on parts of England, including shutting pubs in the worst affected areas, to curb an acceleration in infections.
Springboard said total shopper numbers, or footfall, fell 3.1 per cent in the week to 17 October versus the previous week. It was down 2.8 per cent on high streets, down 3 per cent in retail parks and down 3.5 per cent in shopping centres.
“The additional COVID tiered restrictions had an immediate impact on footfall in retail destinations last week with an across the board week on week decline,” said Springboard director Diane Wehrle.
Footfall in the north of England and Yorkshire region fell 5 per cent, reflecting the tighter restrictions there.
The year-on-year decline in UK shopper numbers worsened to 32.3 per cent.
About six million people face tougher COVID-19 curbs in the coming days as Wales and Manchester, the country’s third largest city, mull additional restrictions.
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