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Boxing Day footfall figures in the West End down by half

By rotide
Created 27/12/2021 - 11:55

Down by 44% compared with 2019's Boxing Day figures for Sunday 26th December 2021

Jace Tyrell, Chief Executive at New West End Company, representing 600 business across Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street & in Mayfair commented: "As expected, footfall for Boxing Day remained down on pre-pandemic levels as London continues to feel the effects of the Omicron variant, with swathes of people choosing to remain home to browse the sales online rather than risk travelling into city centres. This, combined with the limitations of Sunday Trading regulations saw a muted start to the post-Christmas sales period. We hope that the Prime Minister will provide further clarity on possible restrictions this week to ensure that businesses are given enough time to prepare for any further changes.

Anticipating a further announcement from the Prime Minister on next steps to tackle Omicron, we urge the Chancellor to deliver tangible relief for the retail industry, alongside more substantial measures for leisure businesses. Business rates remain the biggest burden on West End businesses and we implore Government to introduce support that is inclusive of all businesses that are paying the price of the lack of customers over the winter months. It is vital that businesses, particularly those in city centres across the UK, are given the right financial support if they are to bounce back strongly in 2022."


Source URL:
https://www.newbusiness.co.uk/content/boxing-day-footfall-figures-west-end-down-half