According to data published by Springboard, retailers across England recorded an increase in footfall on Saturday 4 July, as restaurants, pubs, bars, cinemas and hair salons were able to reopen, following a period of closure during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Retail Gazette was among the first to respond to the Springboard data.  

According to the data published in the report, high street footfall had increased by 9.7 per cent week-on-week by mid-afternoon on Saturday. This rose by more than a third (35.8 per cent) after 17:00 on Saturday, compared to the previous week. 

In Central London and the West End, visitor numbers were up by 26 per cent, and in regional city areas, they were up 29.4 per cent. 

However, compared with this time last year, across England, the number of people visiting shopping and leisure destinations was about half the level. And, in central London, footfall was 75 per cent lower than in 2019. 

According to reports, Springboard insights director Diane Wehrle said: “It’s also an encouraging sign for the hospitality industry, which is trading under strict guidelines and having to limit the number of customers it can accommodate.”