Figures show COVID impact on South West high streets

Bristol has been one of the worst effected cities in the country

The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on high streets across the country
Author: James DiamondPublished 7th May 2021

We all know our highstreets have struggled during the pandemic, but now we have some figures showing us just how much.

Research carried out by the British Retail Consortium shows footfall in the South West is down 36 percent this year in comparison to pre covid times in 2019.

Bristol meanwhile is one of the worst impacted cities in the whole UK with footfall there down 41 percent.

Nationally footfall is down 43.9 percent on highstreets and by 30.5 percent at retail parks.

The worst effected area is Northern Ireland where footfall is down 55.4 percent nationally and by 55.3 percent in Belfast.

Things aren't all bad though.

Last month footfall nationally increased by 28.7 percentage points compared to March, as shops reopened once again.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive of British Retail Consortium, said: “With the easing of restrictions on retail and some hospitality on 12th April, consumers have been returning to their local high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

"This is reflected in the improving levels of footfall seen across the country, as consumers visit their favourite stores post-lockdown.

"While shops have worked incredibly hard to provide consumers with a safe and enjoyable shopping experience, it is unlikely we will see a return to pre-pandemic levels of footfall anytime soon, as social distancing measures naturally restrict retailers’ capacity.

"Retail parks continued to fare better than shopping centres and high streets, as they benefit from the presence of large stores, more space and on-site parking.

"However, it was encouraging to see footfall improve across all retail sites compared to the lockdown months."

Dickinson continues that more growth in the months ahead will be "vital" for the survival of many businesses.

"With full business rates relief ending in England in June, the ongoing rates review needs to deliver on its objectives to reform the broken rates system and reduce the financial pressures on retailers, otherwise many stores and viable jobs will be under threat," she says.

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