Freedom Day blowouts cause spending to surge above pre-pandemic levels12 Aug 2021 20:26
Restaurant and pub spending since ‘Freedom Day’ up over 53% compared to 2019.
55 to 65 year olds spent the most in the pub, with 68% increase on 2019.
North East win race back to pubs and restaurants, as spending rises 77%.
England’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’ on 19 July 2021 prompted a surge in spending which surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report.
Pub punters and restaurant goers spent 53% more in the three weeks following 19 July 2021, than the same period in 2019, as well as 41% more on cultural recreational activities, such as museums and attractions.
Spending on goods also passed the 2019 level, as lockdown savings were put to use. Shopping for clothes increased by 16%, alongside a huge 60% rise in purchases from department stores. Almost a third more (31%) was spent on electrical goods, perhaps driven by former commuters investing in tech to kit out their home offices.
https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2021/lloyds-bank/freedom-day-spending.html