Tills Ring As Sunshine Spreads Spending Cheer Across The UK

Data from Barclaycard Payments, which processes nearly £1 in every £3 spent on credit and debit cards in the UK, shows that the first Easter Bank Holiday Weekend without Covid-19 restrictions since 2019 boosted sales across a number of sectors as Brits enjoyed days out and made the most of the sunny weather.

The UK businesses benefitting from an uplift in spending include:

• Aquariums & Zoos: 109.9 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*
  
  
• Camping & Caravan sites: 74.0 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*
  
  
• Fast Food: 25.0 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*; 35.3 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2021**
  
  
• Pubs, Bars and Night Clubs: 74.0 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*
  
  
• Restaurants: 35.2 per cent, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*; 116.2 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2021**
  
  
• Sports centres (including football and golf): 10.8 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2019*; 443.1 per cent up, compared to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in 2021**

Harshna Cayley, Head of Online Payments, Barclaycard Payments 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 took supported businesses as they return to normal operations across the UK. Our data shows that many experience–led businesses alongside food and drink retailers received a significant boost in trade, which will no doubt be welcome news against the wider backdrop of concerns around the cost of living. As many Brits get back to work, businesses will be hopeful that the recent spell of warmer weather returns in time for the next Bank Holiday in early May”.

Source : Barclaycard Payments

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.