SHOPPERS embarked on a spending spree after the easing of lockdown restrictions led to the reopening of the town centre as non essential shops reopened last week with many retailers opening their doors for the first time since early January.

Town hall chiefs have welcomed the boost to businesses.

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of 4,000 of its customers in Bolton between April 12 and 18, comparing it to the average weekly spend in February 2020, before lockdown started.

Bolton shoppers spent 134 per cent more on average last week than normal, according to their data – with T K Maxx the most popular shop.

The first day of trading saw even higher levels of spending, with 186 per cent more splurged than the average Monday in February of last year.

Bolton Council’s deputy leader and executive member for development and regeneration, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “With the shops having been closed for so long there is a lot of pent up demand out there, so it very pleasing to see so many people back in the shops spending money and supporting our local businesses that have had to cope with so much over the last 14 months.”

Retail spending increased 92 per cent across England as a whole, the firms figures show.

Bolton Council has worked with traders to make the town centre a safe place to shop with safety measures in places, including social distancing and sanitising stations.

Revolut said the data shows there is strong demand right across the country, with many people eager to spend savings built up since non-essential shops closed on January 5.

Spokesman Nicholas Taylor said: “Importantly, spending was up across the whole week – rather than just the first day – suggesting that consumer confidence is resilient.

“This is great news for the thousands of local pubs, cafes and shops, and the millions of people they employ.” 

With bars lacking outdoor space not able to serve drinks yet, spending in Bolton pubs was 38 per cent down on February last year. However, the Revolut data suggests pub-goers spent more than usual when buying rounds.

Bolton drinkers spent slightly more than the average round across England last week, of £16.03.