Almost two years of Covid woes and lockdowns have helped takings surge at sports and leisure shops.
The popularity of golf has grown as people seek an escape from the four walls.
The sales of bags and other accessories have been 50% higher than in the year prior to pandemic 2019.
Barclaycard produced these numbers after analysing how Covid had changed our spending patterns.
The popularity of golf has grown as people seek an escape from the four walls.
According to the credit card company, “Sports and Outdoor Retailers were a shining spot because the reopenings of gyms or golf courses encouraged people to exercise more,”
‘The category rose 21.9 per cent overall, with golf clubs having a particularly positive year – up 50.2 per cent.’
As people make improvements to their homes following periods of lockdown, the boom in home improvement has continued into 2020 and beyond.
Jose Carvalho from Barclaycard is head of consumer products.
“However, other categories like local food retail, take-outs, and digital entertainment did well due to the demand from Brits for at-home, convenient and local shopping.
“In addition to this, Brits continue to invest in their homes, which has resulted in strong growth in DIY as well as pet shops.
Barclaycard data showed homeowners spending more money on their homes, with home improvement spending up 26.2% while furniture spending was 19.8% higher
Barclaycard data showed homeowners spending more money on their homes, with DIY projects up 26.2% and furniture 19% higher.
The increase in pet ownership also led to a jump of 29.1% in the spending at vets and retailers.
Staycations boom saw UK resorts and hotels rebound in summer with 3.7% and 15.9% growth respectively in June and August.
Clare Bailey is the founder of Retail Champion. She said, “It’s encouraging to see many categories enjoying growth in this turbulent year.”
“Local shops are supported by Brits who care about the community, and sports, health, and beauty retail outlets all experienced uplifts after the country’s post-lockdown existence.
“While Omicron has yet to have an economic impact, the hospitality, retail, and leisure industries can be admired for adapting to constantly changing conditions and meeting so many challenges.