Overall retail footfall on Boxing Day in Britain fell 60 percent compared to the previous year, market researcher Springboard said on Sunday, as the closure of shops in large parts of England due to Covid-19 restrictions hit one of retail’s busiest days.

London and large parts of south and east England are now under Tier 4 restrictions, where non-essential retail stores are closed.

Overall footfall in Tier 4 areas was down 75.9 percent, Springboard said, with footfall down more than 30 percent in the less restricted Tier 2 and 3 areas, where non-essential shops can stay open but there are restrictions on hospitality venues.

By Alistair Smout; editor: Jason Neely