New data from Santander UK Retailer Offers, shows a 19% reduction in online spending as people make the most of hair and beauty services, shops, restaurants, and gyms reopening.
After months of DIY, shopping and leisure time online, spending data from 9 million Santander debit cards comparing spending pre and post lockdown shows how spending has changed as lockdown eases:
- 10% reduction in spending at hardware stores
- 62% reduction in spending on betting and lottery tickets
- 20% reduction in spending across digital goods like games, apps and catalogues
As we get out and about more, lots of us are treating ourselves – and our four-legged friends – to a wardrobe refresh and makeover.
- 101% increase in spending at pet shops (perhaps all those new pandemic pets are getting ready to meet friends and family post lockdown)
- Across the board, spending on clothing increased by 158%, with the biggest jump in family clothing stores (247%)
- 195% increase at shoe shops
- 1000% increase in the volume of transactions at barber and beauty shops
Unsurprisingly, lots of us have been enjoying socialising in person as pubs and restaurants open for outside service.
- Bars and pubs recording a 1746% increase in the first week restrictions eased
- 51% increase in spending on eating out
- Tourist attractions and exhibits are proving popular too, with spending up by 248%
In a positive sign for charities who have been hit hard by the pandemic, spending has doubled at charity shops as consumers return to the high street (100% increase).
The data from Santander UK Retailer Offers shows that since restrictions began to ease on April 12, the biggest growth of overall instore spending was in London, Yorkshire and the North East, with customers in the West Midlands and London particularly keen to get back to the gym. Meanwhile customers in the West Midlands, North and South West were most likely to get back to restaurants.
Hetal Parmar, Head of Banking, Santander UK commented:
“It’s fantastic to see people getting out and supporting businesses in a safe way. Our research found that people who use cashback deals regularly when spending can save over £30 a month. If you’re returning to your high street as lockdown rules ease, try using cashback services, like our Retailer Offers programme, to make your money go further.”
