LIFTING LOCKDOWN FAILS TO PROVIDE BOUNCE FOR THE HIGH STREET

THE number of shoppers returning to Britain’s high streets last month continued to be well down on the same period last year.

A 65pc drop in footfall was registered for high streets and 62pc for shopping centres, compared with the same month in 2019, despite the lifting of lockdown on June 15.

The overall decline at retail locations including food stores was 56pc, which was a significant improvement on the 73pc year-on-year decline in May, when all shops were closed.

This week the UK will brace itself for more dire economic news as the latest GDP and unemployment figures are published.

Fashion is thought to be particularly vulnerable. Last week John Lewis (whosemodelispictured) announced it would close eight of its 50 stores, putting 1,300 jobs in grave danger. On the same day Boots axed 4,000 jobs and closed 48 stores.

A string of companies including Monsoon, Warehouse and Cath Kidston have already gone bust, with more casualties likely.

Retailers were excluded from handouts announced in the mini-budget last week.