Consumers plan to avoid peak times and use contactless payments as stores set to re-open

New research has revealed that 46% of consumers are planning to avoid peak times when the non-essential shops start to re-open on Monday 15 June, while 40% will only use contactless payments.

The findings, conducted by "buy now, pay later" provider Laybuy, also revealed that wearing a mask was only fifth on their list of priorities – with 34% citing it as important, behind taking hand sanitiser with them, which 36% are planning to do.

Additionally, 38% will avoid spending more time shopping than is necessary, and 22% of respondents said they would spend less time window shopping and browsing.

The research also asked the 2,000 individuals surveyed across the UK how they felt about returning to the high street, with 42% being “unsure,” 38% “nervous” and 20% “excited” about it.

Gary Rohloff, co-founder and managing director of Laybuy, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see people preparing to return to the UK high street in such responsible ways. People need to feel comfortable and they already have good ideas on how they will go about it.

“We’re seeing retailers do everything they can to make their customers feel as reassured and at ease as possible, and we hope this research will provide some useful insights for them.”