Freedom Day Sees Footfall Increase, But "Pingdemic" Leaves Shoppers Cautious

Springboard has published its latest retail footfall data, revealing a rise in retail footfall across the UK last week.

Footfall surged by 16.5% on Monday 19 July, and overall retail footfall rose by 3.3% week-on-week with increases across high streets, shopping centres and retail parks. Shopping centres saw a 4.1% rise in footfall, compared with 3.3% on high streets, suggesting that shoppers sought a break from the hot weather in air conditioned buildings.

Springboard Index - Week 29 2021

2021 vs 2020: +25.9%

2021 vs 2019: -23.3%

Week on week: +3.3%

To ensure Springboard's insights are as relevant as possible the company has introduced a year-on-year 2021 vs 2019 comparison for footfall.

Diane Wehrle, Marketing and Insights Director at Springboard, said:

"Following an above average start to the week as a result of "Freedom Day" on Monday 19th July, the growth in footfall in UK retail destinations slowed considerably from Tuesday onwards. This is likely to be driven by a combination of the extreme heat, the start of the school summer break, and an increased nervousness amongst shoppers in visiting potentially crowded areas created by the growing "pingdemic" which could force them to self isolate.  

"This is demonstrated by a proportionately greater rise in footfall in coastal towns, and also in the evening post 8pm, when it was cooler but which is the period of the day that accounts for the smallest proportion of footfall and when the vast majority of stores are closed with only hospitality outlets trading."

For more data and insights, including full 2019 comparisons across all destination types, subscribe to Springboard's benchmarks or get in touch with the team.

Source : Springboard and Insight DIY

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