UK Shopper Numbers Rise After Launch Of State-Funded Dining Scheme

Shopper numbers, or footfall, across all British retail destinations rose 3.8% last week from the previous week, with the start of a state-funded eating out scheme helping evening traffic more than lunchtimes, industry data has revealed.

Britain’s retail and hospitality sectors, already struggling with high rents and business taxes, were hit particularly hard by the coronavirus lockdown and thousands of job losses have been announced.

To get the country spending again the £500 million ($653 million) ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme offers 50% off the bill for eat-in food and drink – up to 10 pounds per person, excluding alcohol – on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.

ESM