Shoppers shun high streets in England and Northern Ireland, data shows

Footfall down 65% in June compared with 2019, highlighting challenge for retail sector as lockdown eased Shoppers were allowed to return to the high street in June as stores began to reopen in England and Northern Ireland, but figures show that few chose to do so. Retail footfall collapsed by 65% compared with the same month last year, according to research by data company Springboard.The latest figures are an improvement on the 73% year-on-year decline in May, but highlight the challenges facing retailers and hospitality companies as they try to encourage worried customers to return as the coronavirus lockdown eases. At the same time online shopping has soared, as consumers browse and order from the comfort and safety of their home. Continue reading... https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/13/shoppers-avoiding-high-streets-england-northern-ireland-data-shows #retail_industry #business #coronavirus_outbreak #northern_ireland #uk_news #consumer_spending