Retail staff emerge as real heroes of coronavirus pandemic
The British public’s perception of retail staff has improved since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to research by the BRC and Opinium.
2,002 people were surveyed between 26th and 29th June, with 35% saying their view of retail employees has improved, compared with 3% who become it’s got worse (62% stayed the same or unsure).
49% of respondents felt that retailers were doing enough to protect the public from coronavirus, with only 10% disagreeing. This was slightly down on the previous week (53% agree, 9% disagree).
12% of shoppers intended to visit stores to browse, down from 15% last week. Those who planned to do so for necessary items also fell slightly from 53% to 52%. Those who said they would avoid visiting shops if possible rose from 28% to 32%.
Younger (18-34) respondents showed the most willingness to hit their local high streets, shopping centres etc, with 15% saying they intended to browse, compared with 27% who intended to stay away if possible.
60% of Brits either currently wear a mask in stores, or intend to. This was the same as the previous week. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, says: “With footfall only up slightly during the second week of reopening, it seems that the initial burst of enthusiasm on the high street may not last, as the ongoing pandemic and economic downturn weigh down on consumers.”
“Nonetheless, retail colleagues have shown themselves to be among the real heroes of the pandemic. It is now time that government ensure that these heroes are recognised, and that the jobs of three million retail workers are protected. This will require additional measures by government to boost demand and rebuild public confidence.”
“The haphazard response to the outbreak in Leicester has shown that government must create a clear framework for handling future local outbreaks, supporting retailers and other businesses in the areas affected,” Dickinson concludes.