Retail footfall in East Dunbartonshire 15% above the national average during lockdown

Local folk are spending longer in/venturing out more to shops and food outlets, according to the latest figures from Google.

The tech giant’s latest weekly report shows people across the UK are venturing out to retail and recreation much less than usual, with footfall at a quarter of usual levels.

However, time spent in retail sites in East Dunbartonshire was 59% lower - compared to 74% lower nationally.

The report shows an increase in activity within East Dunbartonshire’s retail and recreation venues during the week to May 2, compared to the week before – suggesting people are venturing out to shops more regularly, or for longer periods of time.

Over the seven days, time spent in retail sites was 59% lower than during a five-week baseline period at the start of the year.

The week before, it had been 63% lower than usual levels.

The data suggests the population in East Dunbartonshire are staying away from retail and recreation venues less successfully than in other locations across the UK.

Nationally, people were spending 74% less time than usual in shopping centres and food outlets.

Grocery stores and speciality food shops were not included.

In the first report, which covered the week to March 29 when the lockdown came into effect, retail activity was down 67%.

Google uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people’s movement in the home, retail and recreation establishments, grocery stores and pharmacies, public transport hubs, workplaces, and parks and green spaces.

In other locations in East Dunbartonshire visits to public transport hubs were 55% down on usual levels, workplaces were 66% quieter than usual

and food shops and pharmacies saw 14% less traffic.