South Tyneside shoppers flash the cash

Shoppers in the borough spent 80% more last week than they did before the first lockdown in March last year, according to data from banking services firm Revolut – with Primark the most popular shop.

The first day of trading saw even higher levels of spending – with 206% more splurged than the average Monday in February of last year.

As coronavirus restrictions eased many retailers were allowed to open their doors for the first time since early January and Revolut analysed the data of 7,000 of its customers in South Tyneside between April 12 and 18 – comparing it to the average weekly spend in February 2020.

With bars lacking outdoor space unable to serve drinks yet, spending in South Tyneside pubs was 25% down on February last year – but the data suggests pub-goers spent more than usual when buying rounds.

The average transaction in pubs in the area was £13.58 last week – up 27% on the typical £10.37 spend in the weeks before the pandemic.

Nationally, retail spending increased by 92%, the firms figures show.

Revolut 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 shops, pubs and cafes, and the people they employ."

Chief executive of The British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson, added: “With case numbers continuing to drop, retail has a key role to play in the wider economic recovery.”