Easter bank holiday weekend, which was also the first one without Covid-19 restrictions since 2019, boosted sales across a number of sectors, says a new report, as Britons enjoyed days out and made the most of the sunny weather.
According to recent data by Barclaycard Payments, consumer spend in pubs, bars and nightclubs over Easter weekend this year was up by 74 percent a compared to 2019, hinting at the upbeat mood of Britons over the weekend.
Zoos and aquariums too were big beneficiaries, with consumers splashing out more than double the amount they spent in 2019, says the data, suggesting that households shook off the cost of living squeeze to celebrate in the hottest temperatures of the year so far.
Harshna Cayley, head of online payments at Barclaycard, said, “The sunny weather combined with the first restriction free Easter Weekend since 2019 lifted the spirits of Brits as they enjoyed days out and supported businesses as they return to normal operations across the UK.”
The cost of living is already running at 7 per cent, the highest level since 1992. Experts warn that it could hit double-digits in October when the energy watchdog hikes the cap on bills again.
Households have also been saddled with a 1.25 percentage point national insurance hike and higher interest rates.
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