Specialist food and drink stores see 40% sales hike in April

• UK adults are planning to spend more in local retailers such as butchers and farmers’ markets when restrictions are lifted

• Online spending for eating and drinking saw growth of 24.6% as diners treated themselves

Sales at specialist food and drink stores, including off-licences, greengrocers, independent convenience stores, butchers and bakeries, have soared almost 40% in April, according to new figures from Barclaycard.

The boom at small outlets came despite overall consumer spending tanking by 36.5% last month as a result of social distancing and the national lockdown.

Supermarkets continued to see a boost in sales, with growth of 14.3% as customer trolley size increased and the nation prepared more meals at home.

Specialist food and drink stores recorded a strong month (+37.7%) as shoppers continued to support local businesses, with more than half (57%) of consumers valuing these outlets more because of the pandemic. As a result, UK adults are planning to spend more in local retailers when restrictions are lifted, including at butchers (27%), cafés and restaurants (26%) and farmers’ markets (23%).

Online spending for eating and drinking – which includes takeaways – also saw growth of 24.6% as diners treated themselves, while also supporting local restaurants.

Spending on essentials declined 7.5% as a result of a 58.9% reduction in fuel sales, data from Barclaycard, which sees almost half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, showed.

Non-essential spending fell by 47.7%, with travel, which includes public transport, seeing a decline of 86.8% as much of the UK stopped commuting. Bars, pubs and clubs also contracted by 96.9%.

Confidence in the UK economy fell to just 20% of adults – the lowest level for at least six years and down 5% on March. However, Brits remained optimistic about their household finances as a reduction in expenses led to consumers saving more money, Barclaycard said.

Job security confidence also declined to 42%, its lowest level for 17 months, suggesting concern for the months to come.

“It’s been a tough time for retailers as consumer spending has dropped considerably under lockdown,” said Barclaycard director Esme Harwood.

“There are some bright spots, though, as Brits have turned their focus online and looked to takeaways, digital subscriptions and DIY to keep entertained and occupied. A renewed sense of community may be welcome news for independent businesses, with a growing desire to support local stores in life after lockdown.”