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Footfall in shops across Britain jumped 87.8% last week compared to the one before as non-essential stores in England reopened after the Covid lockdown, as retail experts hailed an outstanding first week for the sector.
High streets saw a 93.2% increase in footfall, while shopping centres performed even better with a 126.6% gain.
Retail parks were busy throughout lockdown due to a high concentration of essential stores but still marked a 35.3% uplift. This means that footfall at retail parks is just 2% below the 2019 pre-pandemic figure. Offering easy access by car, free parking and more open space, consumers feel safe and know they can enjoy their shopping experience, Helen Dickinson, head of the British Retail Consortium, told the FT to explain the appeal of retail parks.
Police chiefs have said they are struggling to enforce social distancing rules outside as revellers gathered to enjoy the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were eased.
Thousands of people flooded back to bars and pubs to enjoy the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were eased, with rules stating they must eat and drink outdoors.
Outdoor seating in pubs and restaurants across the country - including London, Leeds and Newcastle - were swamped on Saturday night as partygoers made the most of their new-found freedoms.
It was estimated that the 50,000 pubs and restaurants selling alcohol would serve six million pints to mark Super Saturday .
Tributes were paid last night to a Special Constable with Essex Police after he died from Covid-19.
Marine officer Toby Speller volunteered for more than 16 years with the force before he died over the weekend.
The news was confirmed by Essex Police on Twitter, as they described him as a dedicated, professional officer .
The Essex Police marine unit tweeted a picture of SC Speller with a message urging people to follow coronavirus regulations.
The comments come as Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi says police officers and teachers could jump the queue for a Covid jab in phase two of the rollout.