London Games receives mixed review from retail sector

With wet weather keeping shoppers away from the high street in June, the 2012 London Games were set to bring a well-needed boost to the UK’s retail sector.

Government plans to extend Sunday opening hours aimed to encourage footfall and sales but, as the Games came to a close last night, recent news reports give a mixed review of how the event has affected the industry.

In a Retail Week article, it was reported that more than half of London retailers – 59% – have seen increased shopper demand as a result of the Olympics.

The Guardian reported that the number of shoppers on high streets outside London had fallen. However, shopping centres had managed to draw in more customers thanks to giant screens showing the Games, poor weather and the suspension of Sunday trading laws.