Transactions at Pret a Manger have become a closely monitored fast indicator of UK economic activity as a gauge of the levels of workers commuting into city centres. They have fluctuated significantly during the pandemic with many office employees working from home to shield from Covid-19. Fears about the transmissibility of Omicron coupled with the festive holiday build up resulted in a sharp drop in Pret a Manger sales across six out of seven urban locations, hitting the lowest levels since before the pandemic in January 2020, according to the latest ONS data.
The latest figures show that overall retail footfall was below normal levels at 81% of the pre-pandemic levels seen in the same week of 2019 with the South-West retaining the highest level of footfall. In restaurants, the level of UK seated diners in the run up to Christmas is above the same period last year, but has been falling as a percentage compared to the equivalent day in 2019.
While urban hubs and shopping centres are undoubtedly quieter than normal, Covid hasn’t stopped us from spending either online or in the stores. Overall credit and debit card purchases are consistently higher than this time last year, with many families keen to enjoy an abundant Christmas together having missed out last year.
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