Shopping in Brighton up 63 per cent as non-essential stores reopen

As coronavirus restrictions eased, many retailers were allowed to open their doors for the first time this year in Brighton and Hove, following the introduction of Tier 4 restrictions on Boxing Day and then the third national lockdown.

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of 5,000 of its customers in the city between April 12 and 18, and compared it to the average weekly spend in February 2020, before lockdown started.

Queues outside Primark as shops reopened last Monday

Shoppers spent 63 per cent more on average last week than normal, according to their data – with TK Maxx the most popular shop.

There were queues outside the department store in North Street as it reopened last Monday, and over the weekend.

The first day of trading saw even higher levels of spending, with 174 per cent more splurged than the average Monday in February of last year.

Retail spending increased 92 per cent across England as a whole, the firm's figures show.

Brighton and Hove shoppers spent the most in TK Maxx last week, according to data from Revolut

Revolut said the data shows there is strong demand right across the country, with many people eager to spend savings built up during lockdown.

Spokesman Nicholas Taylor said: "Importantly, spending was up across the whole week – rather than just the first day – suggesting that consumer confidence is resilient.

"This is great news for the thousands of local pubs, cafes and shops, and the millions of people they employ."

With bars lacking outdoor space not able to serve drinks yet, spending in Brighton pubs was 36 per cent down on February last year.

However, the Revolut data suggests pubgoers spent much more than usual when buying rounds.

The average transaction in pubs in the city was £14.91 last week – up 51 per cent on the typical spend across an average week before the pandemic, of £9.87.

Brighton and Hove drinkers spent slightly less than the average round across England last week, which was found to be £16.03.

Hospitality data specialists CGA said operational constraints and the unpredictable British weather means three in four venues in England are still closed.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director, added: "While some may open over the next few weeks, we will have to wait another four weeks until it is feasible for many hospitality venues to reopen again.

"Until then, operators deserve support from local authorities to make the most of outdoor trading space – not to mention some sunshine.”