The UK’s retail sector has seen its largest ever decline in footfall last month, down 80.1 per cent according to Springboard's latest figures.

This was almost double the already signifiant March drop of 41.3 per cent - with both clearly due to the Coronavirus crisis and implementation of a social distancing lockdown.

Retail parks were the least affected by the restrictions in April, but still saw footfall decline by 68.1 per cent.

High street footfall was down 83.3 per cent, while shopping centre footfall dropped by 84.8 per cent.

“Whilst this is somewhat inevitable given the closure of all but essential stores, it is perhaps indicative of consumers getting into a new rhythm around shopping and working from home,” said Diane Wehrle, Springboard's marketing and insights director.

“Additionally, the overriding focus on safe shopping and the greater emphasis on community that has come to the fore means that trips to larger towns and cities have been curtailed - indeed, it is the first evidence available that suggests how consumers may respond to easing of restrictions."

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