Restaurants saw an 3.09% increase in transaction volumes this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, compared to Easter last year, according to new snapshot data from Barclays.
Based on the nation’s credit and debit card transactions over the four-day period, it found that hospitality and leisure businesses benefitted from a 2.7% increase in the total number of sales overall as the warmer weather saw people come out and spend.
The fast food category saw a 0.5% increase in transaction volumes.
“After a period of reduced non-essential spending, it’s encouraging to see so many Brits make the most of their Easter celebrations this year. Consumer spending surged across Hospitality and Leisure as people enjoyed the sunshine across much of the UK this weekend and headed out to restaurants, camping and caravan sites, and sport centres,” Marc Pettican, head of Barclaycard Payments, said.
“While our research shows that half of consumers are consciously trying to cut back on discretionary spending overall, this uplift in transactions demonstrates that many Brits are still keen to spend their time off outdoors, socialising and eating out with friends and family. This will be welcome news for UK businesses amid the rising cost of living, and as they look forward to another boost in trade over the Coronation weekend and upcoming May bank holidays.”
