Shopping centre trips drop by 12% on the same time last year

UK consumers

Consumers are also willing to spend an average of 29% more in a local store compared to a large retailer like Amazon, the study found

Shopping centre trips have dropped by 12% and high street shopping has declined by 6% on the same time last year, data shows.

The marked drop in shopping trips could be due to only 15% of shoppers being willing to venture out to spend in bad weather, as per the latest Movers Index from Virgin Media O2 Business.

However, retailers are deploying tactics to keep shoppers spending and combat the Met Office’s forecast of the “wettest summer in over a hundred years”, including discounting (45%) and hosting special events (47%).

The report unveils most Britons (63%) would rather shop in person, with retailers now relying on post-work Friday shopping and payday splurges to drive a summer boost.

The index, which combines anonymous UK movement data from O2 Motion with survey findings, found 26% of consumers prefer large shopping centres, followed by local high streets (19%) and retail parks (18%).

Consumers are also willing to spend an average of 29% more in a local store compared to a large retailer like Amazon, the study found.

Office working has continued to increase over the last three months, with 89% of workers commuting at least once a week, the data shows.

When Britons are in the office, Fridays are the most common day for post-work shopping (36%).

Jo Bertram, MD of Virgin Media O2 Business, said: Our latest index shows Britons increasingly choosing to shop in-person and spend more to support local business.

This coincides with rising office attendance, leading to a boost in lunch and post-work spending in towns and cities, she added.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of Getting Money Wise. The information provided on Getting Money Wise is intended for informational purposes only. Getting Money Wise is not liable for any financial losses incurred. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions.

getting money wise

Welcome! Get your FREE access to EVERYTHING we publish…

Our goal is to show anyone how to make investing profitable. You’ll get our FREE weekly newsletter with latest news and information on investment topics along with special offers. Please take time to read our privacy policy . The information you provide us will be processed in accordance with this.