Number of people shopping dropped on first day of new face mask rules

Data shows a reduction in shoppers on the first day wearing masks became mandatory in shops. 

It appears the new rules regarding masks made more people cautious about shopping, as data shows a 0.2% reduction on Friday 24th compared to the Friday before. 

This follows a relatively steady increase in foot traffic in stores and supermarkets throughout the week. 

The new rules came into place last Friday, which made shoppers legally obliged to wear a face mask or risk a fine of up to £100. 

Retail intelligence company Springboard revealed a drop in footfall in England compared to modest growth elsewhere in the UK, where different regulations on face coverings are in force. 

Traffic to shops increased by 5.9% in Scotland, 2% in Northern Ireland and 1.7% in Wales on Friday.

Springboard’s marketing and insights director, Diane Wehrle, said: “It seems that on the first day of the mandatory wearing of masks in stores and enclosed destinations in England shoppers were cautious about making trips.”

She added: “Footfall may well strengthen over the next days”

Scotland – where face coverings in shops have been mandatory since July 10th – has seen the strongest growth in the UK, which is encouraging for retailers in England.

Despite the easing of lockdown, retail footfall on Friday was down between 26% and 41% across the UK compared to the same period last year.

Have you been wearing a mask in the shops or just avoiding shopping altogether? Let us know.