POUND NOTES
Shopper footfall improved slightly last month as Omicron restrictions were eased.
New data from the monthly Brc-sensormatic IQ footfall monitor showed that it remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels.
Total footfall across shopping destinations in January was 17.1% lower than the same period in 2020, before the pandemic struck. However, this reflected a 1.5% improvement on December. This increase was driven by the relaxation in Omicron-related restrictions and the reduction in Covid-19 cases over the month.
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said after a “slow start to 2022” she hopes to see a further improvement in shopper numbers over the coming months.
High street footfall for the month was down 24.2% against pre-pandemic levels from two years earlier.
Shopping centres also continued to be the worst hit, with footfall down 37.5% against 2020 levels, and 0.9% below December.
Meanwhile, retail parks saw footfall down 13% on pre-pandemic levels, and a 3.8% fall on December.
Demand for new cars remains below pre-pandemic levels but sales of electric models continue to buck the trend.
Provisional figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that UK registrations in January stood at 90,000, more than a quarter higher than during the same month last year. The sector’s performance 12 months ago was affected by showrooms being closed due to the covid pandemic.
Sales continue to be restricted by low consumer confidence and the global shortage of computer chips, which is limiting supply.
One in five new car buyers last month chose a plug-in vehicle. Battery electric vehicle registrations were up around 130% year-on-year, while demand for plug-in hybrids grew by approximately 45%.