Representing independent cookshops and housewares retailers, The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the increased footfall to the high street following the reopening of the hospitality sector on Saturday, July 4.
Early indications suggest that high street footfall increased by an average of 24.9% on Saturday after pubs, restaurants, cafes, and parts of the beauty services sector were allowed to reopen in England.
Springboard (the in-store customer activity data analyst) also reported footfall rose sharply after 5pm.
The biggest lifting of restrictions in England since lockdown began in March had earned the nickname ‘Super Saturday’.
However, Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre said: “This footfall rise is good news but there is still a long way to go.” Bira is calling for financial stimulus such as a reduction in VAT to help boost the economy post-lockdown.
Top: The re-opening of cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs and hairdressers in England boosted high street footfall on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Bidwell)
