Amid the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, retail footfall across the UK fell to record lows as consumers opted to stay indoors in a bid to contain the spread of infection. According to Springboard Research, retail footfall reduced by 80% during April after declining by 41% during the previous month.

Director at Springboard, Diane Wehrle, commented on the numbers, “This unprecedented drop in customer activity, which is of a magnitude never seen before, was universal across all destination types. Whilst these figures are somewhat inevitable given the closure of all but essential stores, it is perhaps indicative of consumers getting into a new rhythm around shopping and working from home.”

The retail sector in Britain had already been exhibiting signs of strain before the pandemic on account of Brexit-related uncertainties and deteriorating consumer confidence. Several leading retailers across the country were forced to go into administration as a result through last year.

There may be some relief coming up this month for the retail sector with PM Boris Johnson signalling his interest in lifting the lockdown and reopening some aspects to the economy soon. The government is expected to reveal its plan on easing the lockdown over the next two months.