Driving and retail footfall both up 6%
[31 July] Mobility in Northern Ireland continues to build, with levels again significantly higher than those pre-covid. The 7-day moving average for driving activity is at 136% of the baseline, ending at 142% on 29th July. The average figure reflects an increase of 6% from the previous week, based on Apple mobility data.
Google mobility data for pedestrian activity also shows a positive outlook. The movement patterns for parks and beaches continues to fluctuate widely as does the weather. Activity was at 111% of the pre-covid norm, an increase of 6% from the past week.
Retail and recreation areas, which includes cinemas and shopping centres, is continuing to grow week on week, also seeing growth of 6% from the previous 7 days. This positive trend is reassuring for businesses with a physical storefront on high streets and in retail parks.
Footfall in grocery and pharmacy locations remains fairy static, with small weekly changes. This week, the activity increased by 4%, to reach 89% of the norm. This week is the last with full shielding guidance for vulnerable people in NI, so with everyone now able to freely travel, this may increase in coming weeks.
