Shoppers will "vote with their feet" today
Website Editor • June 15, 2020
Every shopper is more precious than ever as a cautious return to retail is antcipated by analysts.
Although many flooring stores have been open for two weeks or more, the re-opening of all non essential stores today is expected to increase footfall and boost trading.
“All eyes are on retail now as doors start to open on June 15th. In the short term we expect consumers will visit less, but buy more each visit, making each shopper all the more precious. Footfall has a totally new value." says Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant at ShopperTrak.
“Retailers will have to adapt quickly on how to manage social distancing and site occupancy levels, and give consumers comfort as they start to come back. Initially, consumers may give retailers some goodwill, but shoppers will vote with their feet. There are certainly tough times still ahead, but with our shops re-opening we are one step closer to normality, and we welcome that.”
“Retailers will have to adapt quickly on how to manage social distancing and site occupancy levels, and give consumers comfort as they start to come back. Initially, consumers may give retailers some goodwill, but shoppers will vote with their feet. There are certainly tough times still ahead, but with our shops re-opening we are one step closer to normality, and we welcome that.”
The British Retail Consortium says store owners may need more help from Government to boost business survival rates.
“Retailers have been under immense pressure for the past three months but the reopening of non-essential shops from today is unlikely to deliver immediate relief," says Helen Dickinson, the Consortium's CEO.
"A mix of low consumer confidence and limits on the number of people able to enter stores mean that many shops will continue to suffer lower footfall – and lower sales – for some time to come.
The Government should consider options to stimulate demand, such as a short-term reduction in VAT or a temporary income tax cut for lower-income workers. As they return to serving the country, there is still a risk that many physical shops could end up closing their doors again – only this time, permanently,” she warned.
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