Market researcher Springboard forecasts high streets in England could see shopper footfall increase by nearly one fifth as the UK government removes most Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July
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Indoor shopping and seating at Covent Garden in London, UK | Photo credit: David Sury
Coffee shops in England could see footfall rise by nearly one fifth as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. From 19 July, the British government is removing most pandemic restrictions, including the legal requirement to wear face masks in venues and limits on gatherings. The government has also removed its working from home guidance, meaning many workers will be returning to offices for the first time in around 16 months.
Data from market researcher Springboard forecasts high street footfall will rise 19.7% in the week to 24 July 2021, with week-on-week increases of 32.2% on Friday 23 July and 39.5% on Saturday 24 July.
The forecast will be welcome news for coffee shops and hospitality businesses that have grappled with months of restrictions and severe loss of trade due to Covid-19. However, Springboard forecasts footfall will still be 20.1% lower than compared to the same period in 2019.
The devolved nations of the United Kingdom – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – have separate schedules for lifting restrictions. Nevertheless, shopper numbers in England comprise around 85% of all footfall across the UK.
The UK government is banking on the success of its vaccination programme as it removes Covid-19 restrictions, with more than 68% of UK adults now fully vaccinated.
However, many scientists have urged UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to rethink the strategy as Covid-19 cases have surged past 50,000. Some estimates put cases reaching 200,000 by the end of the summer.