Consumer confidence high as retailers reopen stores

As non-essential retailers reopen their stores today, 80% of British consumers are ready to embrace physical shopping again, with just 20% nervous about doing so.

A poll of over 20,000 people by TruRating also found that Essex, Hertfordshire, London and Surrey shoppers lead the way in terms of ‘excitement’ to get back to stores. Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham were the cities found least likely to continue to spend more online after restrictions ease.

Scottish consumers were the least likely to change their shopping habits because of Covid-19-related safety concerns, while Welsh people were most likely to make temporary or permanent adjustments.

Brits are also spending more per shopping trip. TruRating measured increased basket sizes of up to as much as 50% by year-on-year comparisons in regions that have already lifted coronavirus restrictions.

Georgina Nelson, CEO and Founder, TruRating, comments: “The data is good news for retail and hospitality, sectors hit especially hard by the pandemic. Making customers feel safe will be paramount to ensuring that they continue to shop, eat out and travel in the coming months.”

“It’s amazing to see consumer confidence so high, but the fact that many have increased their online shopping habits suggests the retail landscape will continue to evolve as a result of Covid.”