Shoppers rush out for their retail fix, but will they keep spending? | Larry Elliott
Households coming out of Covid lockdown have financial firepower - UK businesses hope they will use it
After three months of being deprived of a retail fix, it was only to be expected that shoppers would be out in force following the relaxation of lockdown rules in England. Sure, the weather was Arctic in parts of the country, but it takes more than the odd snow flurry to dampen the enthusiasm of the consumer to have a bit of a spending spree.
That, at least, is what those businesses that need the physical presence of their customers - hairdressers, gyms, pubs, cafes and so on - are relying on, anyway. The hope is that the gradual opening up of the economy will unleash pent-up spending over the coming months.
Related: Shoppers surge back to high streets as Covid lockdown eases in England
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