Euro 2020: Football fuels rise in customer spending
In June customer spending rose sharply in the UK – with the Euro 2020, sunshine and lifting of restrictions credited for the rise.
New data from Barclaycard show spending was 11.1 per cent higher in June 2021 compared to June 2019 – before the arrival of the pandemic – the sharpest rise since the start of the global health crisis.
Spending in pubs and bars rose 38.1 per cent, with Euro 2020 and Wimbledon to thank alongside the early June heatwave. The rise was the biggest jump since September 2020.
The rise in customer spending provided a much-needed uplift to many pubs and bars are they struggle to repair the damage caused by the pandemic and the measures in place.
Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products, said: “June saw Brits flock back to pubs, bars and beer gardens to watch the football and tennis on the big screens, as the heatwave early in the month encouraged many of us to get out in the sunshine and socialise.”
“The start of the Olympics and the expected easing of restrictions later this month should continue to lift spirits and provide more opportunities for get-togethers, whether that’s a weekend break, a meal out or to celebrate sporting victories. It’s great to see Brits making up for lost time over the past year.”
There was a 14.7 per cent jump in spending on essential items and purchases at food and drinks stores, which surged 76.4 per cent.
More spending at supermarkets was driven by households buying summer essentials such as BBQs and picnics and football essentials ahead of Euro 2020, Barclaycard said.
Spending on fuel jumped 3.6 per cent – the first growth since the pandemic began – as Brits took to the roads once again.
Strong demand for takeaways
Customers continued to spend on takeaways into June, with the figures showing a 146 per cent uplift in online spending, despite the reopening of restaurants.
Data shows the change in customer behaviour could have an adverse impact on restaurants.
Entertainment spending recovered in June, down slightly by 1.7 per cent, but an improvement on May’s 28.6 per cent fall.
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