Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, shows spending at supermarkets was up 17.7% in May compared to the same period in 2019.
The research also reveals that spending on essential items grew 11.4% compared to May 2019 – the sharpest increase since before the onset of the pandemic.
The data shows that spending at restaurants and bars saw respective declines of 53.2% and 19.4% for the month overall, but these were marked improvements on the 74.4% and 67.2% contractions in April.
In addition, the research finds that more holidaymakers either embarked on or booked staycations in May, with resorts and accommodation showing strong growth of 25.5%. This comes as 20% say they’ve already made plans to go on a staycation in the weeks following 21 June, and 18% intend to go on more holidays in the UK.
The figures show consumer confidence in the economy and household finances remains noticeably higher than this time last year, holding up at 35% and 72% respectively, compared to 20% and 67% in May 2020.
Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products, said: “May was a positive month for a range of categories, with the nation clearly determined to show support for retailers and local businesses. As friends and families reunited after months apart, it is reassuring to see signs of recovery for the entertainment and hospitality industries, both of which have faced significant challenges over the past year.
“While international holidays continue to be hampered by restrictions, staycations in the UK are providing a welcome boost to the travel sector, as May saw more holidaymakers, particularly in the older age groups, book or embark on trips. With summer – and hopefully more of this warmer weather – on the way, we hope to see these positive trends continue as Brits make the most of their newfound freedoms.”
