Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveals that spending on essential items grew 6.6 per cent – an improvement of 5.7 per cent compared to May, which saw a 0.9 per cent increase. This was largely driven by shopping in supermarkets, with the category rising by 25.7 per cent overall – its sharpest since the start of the year. Online grocery spend also jumped significantly by 105.9 per cent year-on-year, as demand for home deliveries saw supermarkets increase their available slots for online orders.
While fuel spend saw an overall decline of 33.8 per cent, the drop was less severe than last month (-49.7 per cent) as warmer weather and easing of lockdown measures allowed more people to travel to see friends and family, and take day trips.
Spending on non-essential items fell 22.3 per cent; again an improvement on the decline seen in May (-36.9 per cent) as the gradual re-opening of non-essential shops saw general retailers increase by 31.7 per cent.
Remarkable upturns on month-on-month growth were seen across home improvement and DIY (+31.3 per cent vs. -3.2 per cent) and furniture (+17.6 per cent vs. -28.2 per cent) compared to May’s year-on-year figures. This was the first month since the start of 2020 that these categories saw growth, with Brits taking advantage of the recent sunshine to spruce up their homes and gardens.
Spending on electronics was another bright spot, with a 14.3 per cent year-on-year increase as the return of live sport – including the Premier League and Royal Ascot – led to increased purchases of home entertainment.
Brits are also clearly embracing more active lifestyles as spending at sports and outdoor retailers rose a significant 50 per cent in the week of 14th-20th June – when general shops were able to reopen – compared to last year. This also represents their best month of the year so far, with an improvement of 24.4 per cent compared to May’s growth. Bike stores performed particularly well as fitness enthusiasts took up cycling for leisure and transport.
While overall spending on eating and drinking declined by 56.4 per cent year-on-year, this represents a less steep drop than May (70.3 per cent). Takeaways and fast food rose for the first time since pre-lockdown with a 5.7 per cent yearly growth, as restaurants, pubs and cafes continued to establish takeaway and delivery services and Brits enjoyed al-fresco dining with friends.
There were signs, however, that the high street’s recovery may be a long one as over half (56 per cent) of consumers continue to avoid the shops. Three in 10 (31 per cent) Brits admit to delaying shopping because they are afraid of getting or spreading coronavirus, while 18 per cent say they are put off by crowds. New social distancing rules are providing some reassurance, with nearly a fifth (18 per cent) more likely to return to shops because of these precautions.
Household confidence has also held up at 68 per cent, perhaps due to the savings people are making by staying at home rather than taking a holiday. Over half (54 per cent) say they will spend less on holidays this summer and 30 per cent are not expecting to go away at all, even though they normally do. However, consumer confidence in the UK economy, and job security, remain low at 20 per cent and 41 per cent respectively.
Esme Harwood, Director at Barclaycard, said: “While shoppers remain understandably cautious, slowly but surely Brits are starting to spend again. Some retailers have seen really positive increases, particularly home improvement, DIY and sports and outdoor outlets, where spend has reached higher levels than before the onset of coronavirus, when spending at these stores was in decline. The recent VAT cut and meal vouchers are also a positive sign for the hospitality industry and it will be interesting to see how these measures impact consumer spending.
“It also seems shoppers are generally reassured by retailer efforts to take precautions and make their stores safer. As lockdown eases and Brits are encouraged to enjoy summer safely, it’s clear that people are making the most of a sense of normality again, with many of us travelling to see friends and family, eating al-fresco, and taking day trips.”
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