Brighton and Hove stores see 63% spending boost as eager shoppers return to high street

As coronavirus restrictions eased, many retailers were allowed to open their doors for the first time last week since early January.

The banking firm Revolut analysed the data of 5,000 of its customers in Brighton and Hove between April 12 and 18, comparing it to the average weekly spend in February 2020, before lockdown started.

Brighton and Hove shoppers spent 63 per cent more on average last week than normal, according to their data – with T K Maxx the most popular shop.

The first day of trading saw even higher levels of spending, with 174 per cent more splurged than the average Monday in February of last year.

Retail spending increased 92 per cent across England as a whole, the firms figures show.

Revolut said the data shows there is strong demand right across the country, with many people eager to spend savings built up since non-essential shops closed on January 5.

Spokesman Nicholas Taylor said: “Importantly, spending was up across the whole week – rather than just the first day – suggesting that consumer confidence is resilient.

“This is great news for the thousands of local pubs, cafes and shops, and the millions of people they employ.”

The British Retail Consortium said stores have worked hard to provide customers with a ‘safe and enjoyable’ shopping experience, and it expects footfall to increase as more outlets reopen.

Chief executive Helen Dickinson added: “With case numbers continuing to drop, retailers hope that confidence will return to high streets, shopping centres and retail parks, and encourage UK consumers to release some of the £160 billion saved up during this pandemic.

“By unlocking consumer savings, UK retail has a key role to play in the wider economic recovery.”

With bars lacking outdoor space not able to serve drinks yet, spending in Brighton and Hove pubs was 36 per cent down on February last year.

However, the Revolut data suggests pub-goers spent much more than usual when buying rounds.

The average transaction in pubs in the area was £14.91 last week – up 51 per cent on the typical spend across an average week before the pandemic, of £9.87.

Brighton and Hove drinkers spent slightly less than the average round across England last week, which was £16.03.

Hospitality data specialists at CGA said operational constraints and the unpredictable British weather mean three in four venues in England are still closed.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director, added: “While some may open over the next few weeks, we will have to wait another four weeks until it is feasible for many hospitality venues to reopen again.

“Until then, operators deserve support from local authorities to make the most of outdoor trading space – not to mention some sunshine.”