England Exit Drives Nighttime High Street Boost Despite Defeat

While England's World Cup campaign came to an end against Argentina last night, new MRI Software footfall data shows fans still gave a welcome overnight boost to the UK's hospitality and leisure economy. 

Although overall footfall across UK retail destinations remained 2.3% lower year on year yesterday, the early hours following the match (midnight–6 am) told a different story, with supporters staying out after the final whistle.

The data shows that overnight, UK high streets saw footfall increase by 14.4% year on year, as supporters stayed out following England's semi-final defeat. The strongest growth came in regional cities outside London (+29.6%) and historic towns (+27.6%), suggesting many fans opted to watch the match locally, while retail parks also recorded a 9.8% uplift, reflecting the appeal of their food and beverage offerings. 

Jenni Matthews, Retail Analyst, MRI Software, said: 

While footfall remained -2.3% lower year on year across all UK retail destinations yesterday, the early hours of this morning - once again - saw fans out in full force as they drowned their sorrows following England’s defeat against Argentina last night. UK high streets won out as visits surged +14.4% year on year driven largely by a +29.6% boost in regional cities outside of London, followed by historic towns (+27.6%) suggesting that fans chose to stay local to watch the semi-finals. Retail parks also noted a +9.8% increase in footfall reflecting the strong food and beverage offering across many. 

England may be out, but the World Cup’s economic impact is far from over. The tournament has provided a significant boost for hospitality, leisure and retail destinations in the UK throughout the summer, highlighting the power of experience to drive footfall and spend. At a time when consumers remain selective about where they spend their money, events that bring people together continue to provide a valuable catalyst for night time and local economies.

Source : MRI Software

Image : Freer / shutterstock / 2657999637

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