Brits support local retailers during coronavirus crisis

Community spirit and support for local businesses is flourishing in the UK amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to research from Barclaycard.

Its survey of 2,007 people shows that 41% of Brits have checked in on vulnerable neighbours to see if they need help with shopping – a figure that increases to 48% for Londoners. Meanwhile, 71% have made a conscious effort not to stockpile food.

55% want to increase their support of nearby businesses as a result of the lockdown – primarily by visiting local shops and markets when they can do so again. Despite the challenges facing retailers, Barclaycard’s recent Consumer Spending Index – which compares consumer spending year-on-year – showed some relief for small businesses. Specialist food and drink stores, such as off licences and greengrocers, saw spend grow by 30.5% in March.

Esme Harwood, Director at Barclaycard, says: “It’s heartening to see how the nation is coming together to support eachother and their communities, with Brits looking out for their neighbours and showing more desire to shop locally.”

“Retailers are adapting to this demand too, from restaurant suppliers selling straight to customers, to bricks and mortar stores rapidly moving online. The appetite from shoppers is clearly there, which bodes well for smaller and independent stores when we see the social distancing measures start to ease.”