A study has revealed that Beaconsfield’s High Street has been named the busiest in the UK since lockdown restrictions from the pandemic were lifted.
Between March 2020 and April 2021, the country had three separate shutdowns as cases of the respiratory illness across the country started to increase at a rapid rate.
The closure of thousands of shops, restaurants, hairdressers, and more caused many to lose out on valuable income.
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However, since all limitations were lifted in the summer of 2021, people have returned to visit their favourite establishments.
This includes the residents of Beaconsfield, as stats show that more people in the town are using physical shops, rather than using the internet to make purchases.
Conducted by Harper Dennis Hobbs (HDH), which is part of Newmark Group Inc., the organisation has released its Vitality Rankings of how busy certain high streets have been, with Beaconsfield topping the list.
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Andy Metherell, Head of Consultancy and Analytics at HDH, and lead on compiling the Vitality Rankings, says the stats are starting to reflect the mix of hybrid working and the return to normality following Covid-19 restrictions.
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He said: “We are starting to see larger centres rise in the rankings as shoppers return to city centres and regional malls.
“But with hybrid working now such a common working model, small and affluent commuter towns are still benefiting from that change in behaviour.
“Therefore, these areas continue to populate the top of the rankings.
“We have also seen seaside towns and other domestic tourist hotspots maintain their places in the top 50, with Brits visiting these locations over the summer.
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“So, it’s no surprise that they’re doing well.
“We are beginning to see the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on spending levels and consumer confidence.
“We may not see the full impact of inflation, rising interest rates, rising energy bills and a squeeze on household income until Vitality Rankings 2023.
“This is expected to have an impact on all areas, but especially some of those that are less affluent.”
Below is a table that shows Beaconsfield’s current ranking as number one, whilst Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire and Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire are also on the list.
Another spokesperson added: "HDH’s [Harper Dennis Hobbs] Vitality Rankings determines the health of high streets and shopping centres by analysing a number of factors, including vacancy rates, residents’ movement and suitability to local consumer demand.
"The rankings reveal the top 50 retail centres, compiled from a list of 1,000 by the strategic retail property consultancy.
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"The top 20 ranking is still dominated by smaller commuter towns that continue to benefit from a shift in shopping habits to local high streets, as many families have relocated from larger cities due to the impact of remote working."
The Vitality Rankings 2023 will be released early next year.
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