Coronavirus: Weekend shopping returns but numbers down on 2019
07/12/2020
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news
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business
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Christmas shoppers returned to stores in England this weekend, but footfall was down 25% on last year.
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arcangel
07/12/2020 10:28:36
3
1
bbc
Who'd have thunk it.... i wonder why? could it be the god damn pandemic? Does this even need stated?
Right - a caveat here. I'm aware that many of the photographs of crowded streets are foreshortened, so they make shoppers look more densely packed than they are in reality.
On the other hand, there were some pictures where people were unambiguusly packed to the rafters.
How much common sense does it take to say "whoa, that street/queue is clearly too packed. I'll go somewhere else"?
On the other hand, there were some pictures where people were unambiguusly packed to the rafters.
How much common sense does it take to say "whoa, that street/queue is clearly too packed. I'll go somewhere else"?
Personally, I haven't stepped inside a shop since March.
There is nothing you can't buy online.
There is nothing you can't buy online.
Be careful what you wish for or there won't be any shops anymore.
That's not true.
I live in a town that thrives on individuality and small independent shops. Much of what they offer is not online.
It's true that online shopping is great for branded goods where you can compare prices. It's also true that there are some individuals online but personally I like meeting shop owners and seeing how they operate.
I live in a town that thrives on individuality and small independent shops. Much of what they offer is not online.
It's true that online shopping is great for branded goods where you can compare prices. It's also true that there are some individuals online but personally I like meeting shop owners and seeing how they operate.
While decreased footfall will initially be down to people taking more care at this time, in the long run we need to learn to live with less stuff and to adapt the economy to not be so reliant on consumerism, which is neither essential behaviour nor good for the environment.
The only possible way to fix any of it is through educating and encouraging children to do the right thing. Nothing else that adults do will make a difference.
...and as the pictures in the article shows, very little social distancing, few masks and masks worn incorrectly. No wonder infections rates keep climbing.
True and now cases are rising in the majority of London Bououghs. If London goes into Tier 3 on the 16th, the West End and London will be hit very badly, if it stays in Tier 2 new cases will continue to rise further.Wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines when Xmas shopping.Your actions have economic consequences.
I can't see any reason for going anywhere near a high street until I've had the vaccine
I really dread the economic fallout after Christmas, just look at all the stores that have fallen into administration / gone under in just the past few weeks.
It is going to be economic carnage next year, oh and throw Brexit on top of that just to put a cherry on it...
It is going to be economic carnage next year, oh and throw Brexit on top of that just to put a cherry on it...
High street shops were dying out anyway. Been dying for years. Nothing to do with brexit, only speeded up a bit by corvid. Technological change has made shops far off in high streets utterly irrelevant to the acquiring of goods. Been ripping us, and makers, creators, off for countles decades. No one mourns their demise. Finally getting to see their part of the chain was least valuable to customers
Did 100% of my Christmas shopping online
Much as I loathe some online retailers, I also loathe being sat in traffic, paying through the nose for parking and the 'shopping experience' that is hordes of mardy frustrated people
I sat and ordered it from the comfort of my arm chair with a brew and had it delivered to my door
Then spent quality time with my family
I make no apologies for any of it
Much as I loathe some online retailers, I also loathe being sat in traffic, paying through the nose for parking and the 'shopping experience' that is hordes of mardy frustrated people
I sat and ordered it from the comfort of my arm chair with a brew and had it delivered to my door
Then spent quality time with my family
I make no apologies for any of it
My family agreed to cancel Xmas this in September.
No family meal. No presents. No gift cards. Just cards.
Given the health of some of us, not happy with these crowds now or in new year if we had sent gift cards. And that assumes shop still trading.
Zoom Xmas drink,if everyone able and system up to every other households in UK not doing same.
No family meal. No presents. No gift cards. Just cards.
Given the health of some of us, not happy with these crowds now or in new year if we had sent gift cards. And that assumes shop still trading.
Zoom Xmas drink,if everyone able and system up to every other households in UK not doing same.
Lost one of my family, miss her more than I'll ever miss shopping in town. Done all my Christmas shopping online this year. Every online retailer has been very efficient and I've done it all in warmth and comfort of home.
Even small independent retailers have adapted really well
Even small independent retailers have adapted really well
So sorry for your loss.
I too love the variety of items you see when browsing small independent online retailers. Much better than most of the overpriced tat in the town centre/retail park chains.
I too love the variety of items you see when browsing small independent online retailers. Much better than most of the overpriced tat in the town centre/retail park chains.
I too lost mum to Covid 3 weeks ago and i too have done it all online. Terrified to go out and get some food no slots left for delivery will have to bite the bullet and venture to the supermarket. However it will not be the same without mum.
Nice to see the sensible people out and about adhering to social distancing and wearing their masks - not.
And all to buy more stuff they don't need with money they don't have.
And all to buy more stuff they don't need with money they don't have.
It's the capitalist mindset: we need more stuff, while not caring about others so much. Covid has exposed the flaws in both the system and the society generated from it.
This just confirms that it's not "if" we are all put into another lockdown after Christmas, but "when".
Sadly and even just on the evidence of the photographs in this article; a great many of us appear to see unbridled retail therapy as more important than life itself.
Sadly and even just on the evidence of the photographs in this article; a great many of us appear to see unbridled retail therapy as more important than life itself.
Looking at the pictures of Oxford Street it’s interesting to see the faces of people. Many in the under 30 age group. Many not wearing masks and impossible to do distancing.
Bargain of the day?
Covid.
It probably won’t cause them too much harm but an unwelcome present for their middle aged parents or dear old grandparents.
Bargain of the day?
Covid.
It probably won’t cause them too much harm but an unwelcome present for their middle aged parents or dear old grandparents.
Yeah and seeing this and the anticipation of people gathering to celebrate xmas - the virus will spike again in the New Year causing more issues for the NHS and subsequent deaths - yes we have hope a vaccine, but time is needed to deliver it --- if only people have patience - life and 2021 can be a lot better for all of us....
No intention of fueling the Christmas splurge. It's a truly awful experience now is shopping, every store seems to make up it's own rules based on the amount of fear the managers have. You feel like you are putting on them.
I was sympathetic of retail job losses, not anymore. Lost sympathy long ago.
Internet is best, just keep away from Hermes deliveries if you want it to arrive.
I was sympathetic of retail job losses, not anymore. Lost sympathy long ago.
Internet is best, just keep away from Hermes deliveries if you want it to arrive.
You could play 'where's the wally' with that Primark queue photo. I can spot only 5 people wearing a mask properly, rest are no mask, chin mask, nose out
You do not need to wear when outside, they look ready to slip them on once they get inside, which is the rule,
Crikey, aren't you astute. And with their noses out, the gall of it.
This year and probably forever we're giving our xmas spend to local food banks
I would too but I couldn't support a brexiter who has shot himself in the foot and is now hungry.
People criticising the crowds are like people who sit in traffic jams fuming at being held up. They fail to see they are the traffic jam.
Internet shopping is here, it is the future, there is no turning back now. Live with it, embrace it.
Internet shopping is here, it is the future, there is no turning back now. Live with it, embrace it.
The images in this article & the sheer insanity of Nottingham council's Christmas market illustrate the reason why new infections remain stubbornly high.
There's a significant percentage of UK citizens either too stupid or too selfish to deserve the freedoms they have.
There's a significant percentage of UK citizens either too stupid or too selfish to deserve the freedoms they have.
Large crowds shopping, buy lots of plastic rubbish which will be consigned to the dustbin in a few weeks is what xmas is all about.
This year, along with colds and flu, you may get a viral pressie as well which could truly ruin your life.
Idiots!!
This year, along with colds and flu, you may get a viral pressie as well which could truly ruin your life.
Idiots!!
The irony of this story actually lies in another story. 'Nottingham Christmas market' You see councils think they can control peoples mentality. But those arriving into a crowded environment tut-tut, but they never seem to say "I won't add to this problem" by turning around and going home. Everyone wants everyone else to do what they need to do.
Go online folks, and stay safe.
Go online folks, and stay safe.
Why are comments not appearing here, either as replies or stand alone comments?
Where are the police to stop people breaking the social distancing regulations?! Many will die as a result of this stupidity.
These people are trying very hard to make sure their old relatives do not survive the new year.
What is wrong that people aren't doing social distancing or masks. This is not a joke. What do you really need that causes this shop chaos.
Oh are these the same people who don't have money to feed their kids?
Just bought a whole chicken at Tesco, half price with club card. That's at least two meals, then use the carcass for soup with vegs.. Good cooking...
Oh are these the same people who don't have money to feed their kids?
Just bought a whole chicken at Tesco, half price with club card. That's at least two meals, then use the carcass for soup with vegs.. Good cooking...
Confusing post. You complain that people shouldn't go to the shops then say people are short of money and then say you've just been to the shops (after saying they shouldn't go to the shops) and then how thrifty you are having been shopping!
What's the point you're trying to make?
What's the point you're trying to make?
By shutting shops for a month the government has created a shopping bottleneck. It's like bending a hose pipe under pressure, the pressure just builds until it is forced from the tap on the wall or finds another weak spot.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
Lockdown lifted and the streets are full of Snowflakes with no masks, again.
Why do they not understand that their actions are prolonging this crises and affecting the high street/retail jobs when restrictions are put in place.
Why do they not understand that their actions are prolonging this crises and affecting the high street/retail jobs when restrictions are put in place.
Agreed. Often have to walk on road with numpties not wearing masks to pass them by and they don't give way either.
So sad these people.
So sad these people.
You do not need to wear masks when out side they are doing nothing wrong.
I can't understand why anyone thinks you should wear a mask outside..
Businesses encouraged into costly social distancing measures, limited numbers etc, while the streets outside are jam-packed with hardly anyone wearing a mask. That makes real sense, & those in the thick of it will be asking why the police aren't keeping it under control? Yer 'aving a larf! If the same people were sent packing they'd be screaming "Hooman rights" all the way home on a crowded bus.
Actually it does make sense to have different rules indoors and outdoors.
What is wrong with people? Look at that picture of Regent Street! Why the h are people so obsessed with shopping in a physical store!! Christmas shopping is my idea of hell at the best of times, but during a pandemic?
Most if not all of those shops have websites, and distance selling regs say they have to offer a returns service, so just order online and STOP THE SPREAD!!!
Most if not all of those shops have websites, and distance selling regs say they have to offer a returns service, so just order online and STOP THE SPREAD!!!
And scientists and politicians feel the need to close down quiet country pubs,restaraunts and cafes because of virus transmissions ?? I have heard of more people catching this from hospitals !
People don't choose to go to hospitals. It's out of necessity.
You could play 'where's the wally' with that Primark queue photo. I can spot only 5 people wearing a mask properly, rest are no mask, chin mask, nose out
Haven’t virtually locked myself away for the last 8 months just to throw it all away on a bit of shopping just before getting a vaccine.
Businesses encouraged into costly social distancing measures, limited numbers etc, while the streets outside are jam-packed with hardly anyone wearing a mask. That makes real sense, & those in the thick of it will be asking why the police aren't keeping it under control? Yer 'aving a larf! If the same people were sent packing they'd be screaming "Hooman rights" all the way home on a crowded bus.
Nice to see the sensible people out and about adhering to social distancing and wearing their masks - not.
And all to buy more stuff they don't need with money they don't have.
And all to buy more stuff they don't need with money they don't have.
Presumably that's why the Chinese, North Korean and Russian socialist states are renowned for their caring attitude to their populations ?
Scientific survey in Denmark proved that wearing a mask was ineffective anyway
The fact that you expect that people should 'give way' to you tells us more about you than them.
The fact that people are being criticised for not wearing a mask outdoors shows how far from the real risk people's focus has gone. Seriously, concentrate on what causes transmission, being crammed in to poorly ventilated indoor spaces, not walking down the street.
your the sad one if you walk into the road rather than spend a fraction of a second in proximity of someone else, you have more likelihood of getting knocked over than you have of catching a virus, especially as you say you are muzzled up, stop being such a drama queen
What is wrong that people aren't doing social distancing or masks. This is not a joke. What do you really need that causes this shop chaos.
Oh are these the same people who don't have money to feed their kids?
Just bought a whole chicken at Tesco, half price with club card. That's at least two meals, then use the carcass for soup with vegs.. Good cooking...
Oh are these the same people who don't have money to feed their kids?
Just bought a whole chicken at Tesco, half price with club card. That's at least two meals, then use the carcass for soup with vegs.. Good cooking...
Actually it does make sense to have different rules indoors and outdoors.
Weekend shopping returns but numbers down on 2019......really....where do they find these statistics...it's not rocket science!
I would too but I couldn't support a brexiter who has shot himself in the foot and is now hungry.
Rush to shop no surprise! Would be the same reaction when the pubs open. Trouble is by showing no respect to safety/rules you just increase the chances of lockdown 3. If we show a more measure approach then perhaps this can be avoided.
Many people can't do Xmas either due to loss of their job, prolonged furlough and illness - think of them too, Only when the virus is controlled will this improve.
Many people can't do Xmas either due to loss of their job, prolonged furlough and illness - think of them too, Only when the virus is controlled will this improve.
Maybe some people will give using the simplicity of a phone call or video chat. A smile costs nothing, neither does a 'how are you?' Christmas is not the only time you can give to people freely and without adverts with a buffalo and deserts and a highly paid actor. Stay healthy and don't fall into the trap that you must buy happiness each year. Sit this one out with your loved ones, covid wont.
It would depend where your friends daughter was a critical care nurse. If she works in a hospital in an area where the infection rate is lower then it was good that the hospital was letting staff have days off.
Well done shoppers, no masks, no social distancing, whilst the rest of us have been locked down since March, and respecting our fellows by following the rules for the safety of all. In 2 weeks time will it have been worth the risk.
Maybe some people will give using the simplicity of a phone call or video chat. A smile costs nothing, neither does a 'how are you?' Christmas is not the only time you can give to people freely and without adverts with a buffalo and deserts and a highly paid actor. Stay healthy and don't fall into the trap that you must buy happiness each year. Sit this one out with your loved ones, covid wont.
By shutting shops for a month the government has created a shopping bottleneck. It's like bending a hose pipe under pressure, the pressure just builds until it is forced from the tap on the wall or finds another weak spot.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
If it was 30% more than last year then the negative headlines would have been people not adhereing to social distancing, 30% down on last year should be a positive in a pandemic, this is not a normal year, why find the negativity in every story?
I think it depends on on where you fit in.
If you have a shop much of the income is made around Christmas so it is negative as you're not making so much income.
If you look at it from a virus view, it's probably not bad.
But as we all know the media will always go for the negative headlines and choose a perspective that fits it.
If you have a shop much of the income is made around Christmas so it is negative as you're not making so much income.
If you look at it from a virus view, it's probably not bad.
But as we all know the media will always go for the negative headlines and choose a perspective that fits it.
I live in London and am horrified at these pictures and some Covent Gardens ones I saw somewhere else. I haven't been into Central London on a weekend since the first lockdown ended, because of stupidity like this, protests, etc. Actually went into town on Friday (i.e. before all this) - very few people around, most were wearing masks, and such a much nicer experience.
If you're truly horrified, Londoner, by scenes of people Christmas shopping, perhaps you need to re-evaluate your priorities.
I live 400 yards from the centre of the city I live in and havent shopped in the centre for 10 years. I do know where your coming from Thank you and well done. Nothing would induce me to shop amongst that throng but I do understand that that others enjoy it Given the vaccine is almost with us you wont have much longer to wait
Get over it dear; we've got a vaccine now. Haven't you heard?
I think it depends on on where you fit in.
If you have a shop much of the income is made around Christmas so it is negative as you're not making so much income.
If you look at it from a virus view, it's probably not bad.
But as we all know the media will always go for the negative headlines and choose a perspective that fits it.
If you have a shop much of the income is made around Christmas so it is negative as you're not making so much income.
If you look at it from a virus view, it's probably not bad.
But as we all know the media will always go for the negative headlines and choose a perspective that fits it.
Well looking at the main picture on thd story I have no idea how London has managed to be only in T2 other than fiddling the stats
Who thought it was a good idea to open a market in Nottingham needs shooting.
MONEY IS SHORT,SIMPLE.
That's not true.
I live in a town that thrives on individuality and small independent shops. Much of what they offer is not online.
It's true that online shopping is great for branded goods where you can compare prices. It's also true that there are some individuals online but personally I like meeting shop owners and seeing how they operate.
I live in a town that thrives on individuality and small independent shops. Much of what they offer is not online.
It's true that online shopping is great for branded goods where you can compare prices. It's also true that there are some individuals online but personally I like meeting shop owners and seeing how they operate.
Did 100% of my Christmas shopping online
Much as I loathe some online retailers, I also loathe being sat in traffic, paying through the nose for parking and the 'shopping experience' that is hordes of mardy frustrated people
I sat and ordered it from the comfort of my arm chair with a brew and had it delivered to my door
Then spent quality time with my family
I make no apologies for any of it
Much as I loathe some online retailers, I also loathe being sat in traffic, paying through the nose for parking and the 'shopping experience' that is hordes of mardy frustrated people
I sat and ordered it from the comfort of my arm chair with a brew and had it delivered to my door
Then spent quality time with my family
I make no apologies for any of it
Shopping Malls!?, are we in LA? I believe the local vernacular would be 'Center', thats Shopping Center. Thanks.
"Center or Centre–Which Is Right? | Grammarly
www.grammarly.com › blog › center-centre
Center is the correct spelling in American English, but British English writers usually prefer centre"
That Shopping Centre in the UK
www.grammarly.com › blog › center-centre
Center is the correct spelling in American English, but British English writers usually prefer centre"
That Shopping Centre in the UK
Or shopping centre even.
I hope the irony was intentional? In the UK we go to Shopping CentREs.
Err! I think we call the "centres" actually :)
Lost one of my family, miss her more than I'll ever miss shopping in town. Done all my Christmas shopping online this year. Every online retailer has been very efficient and I've done it all in warmth and comfort of home.
Even small independent retailers have adapted really well
Even small independent retailers have adapted really well
I live in London and am horrified at these pictures and some Covent Gardens ones I saw somewhere else. I haven't been into Central London on a weekend since the first lockdown ended, because of stupidity like this, protests, etc. Actually went into town on Friday (i.e. before all this) - very few people around, most were wearing masks, and such a much nicer experience.
'Center' is American, 'Centre' is English. American is a form of basic English, as is Australian, Canadian, etc. it took us many hundreds of years to get where we are not just a couple of hundred............?
Looking at the two photographs I will carry on staying close to home and order on-line.
By shutting shops for a month the government has created a shopping bottleneck. It's like bending a hose pipe under pressure, the pressure just builds until it is forced from the tap on the wall or finds another weak spot.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
It was madness, and added to the Christmas household mixing rules, another spike in late January is inevitable. Nothing is ever learned in the land of the stupid.
Confusing post. You complain that people shouldn't go to the shops then say people are short of money and then say you've just been to the shops (after saying they shouldn't go to the shops) and then how thrifty you are having been shopping!
What's the point you're trying to make?
What's the point you're trying to make?