Retail seems to have dropped off a cliff?

[Neverendingdust]

Went into Manchester City centre yesterday and couldn’t believe how quiet it was even for a Monday especially as it was a lovely sunny day, the shopping centre and Selfridges were rather lacking in customers which given the current economic climate isn’t a shock I know but still…

I have a few friends in retail and they’re all saying how quiet it is in the city.

Obviously the rising cost of living issue is having a widespread impact but I’m wondering if those on here who work in retail (not just supermarkets but fashion, home, entertainment etc) have seen a massive decline the last month or so too around the country? Has everyone simply stopped spending?

They council locally have in their wisdom decided that 2 hours parking is enough for anyone (it's not) and have whacked up the price too

Yes, same with our council.

Max 2 hours parking. You used to be able to just go back to your car/use the parking app to top up the parking, but you can’t do that now unless you go and move your car to a different car park. Traffic Wardens take note of reg numbers and fine you.

Max 2 hours for a nice wander round the shops, lunch, mosey along the harbour, run a few errands is not enough time, so I just don’t bother.

I’m in a tourist area and the town would be packed in the summer, especially on wet days, but it’s dead now.

The council want us to use the park and ride, but you have to pay for the car park, and then £3.50 each, each way on the bus, so no one uses it or bothers to go into town.

Only two pay packets for many until their summer holiday. No wonder many are reducing spend on non-food things.

Food as well.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/17/tesco-sales-fall-amid-unprecedented-increases-in-cost-of-living?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other

Aggressive traffic warden presence doesn’t help. There’s a town in the north of England I used to go to, but they have so many traffic wardens ready to pounce on anyone who might dare to go over by a second. It’s no longer an enjoyable experience, I’d rather go somewhere without limits, where I can spend money and relax. There just doesn’t seem to be much choice in the shops. In desperation I think the shopping centre management are just renting out to any business so there has been an increase in tacky clothes and home furnishing shops.