Leisure spend sees Easter bounce
Spending on leisure grew dramatically during the first two days of the Easter holiday, compared with 2016.
According to figures from Barclaycard, the number of transactions on the high street increased 13%, while leisure and entertainment transactions were up 16% by volume and 9% by value.
However, consumers are continuing to spend an increasing amount online, with digital sales up 26%.
Separate research from Barclaycard found that 42% of respondents booked a meal out during Easter, while 36% planned a leisure outing.
Barclaycard managing director Paul Lockstone said: "Early signs indicate that the Easter ‘bounce' retailers hoped for this year has indeed materialised. A comparatively milder and later holiday weekend prompted consumers to make more purchases, although the lower rise in transaction values suggests part of the appeal was down to the discounting seen across the high street. This may have also counteracted increased prices elsewhere.
"Easter spending also reflected the prevailing trends we've seen over the past 12 months, with stronger growth online than in store and a preference to spend on leisure time rather than material goods, continuing the growth of the ‘experience economy'."
