A Wiltshire retail expert has said that traders are integral in making sure "recovery is not thrown off track."

Shops across the region have opened their doors today leading to a buzz of activity on high streets.

Already today, Retail analyst group Springboard has released figures on customer numbers up until 10am.

It shows that footfall has risen more than 200% so far this morning, until 10am, compared with last week.

Their data shows that footfall is 14.7% lower than this Monday two years ago, before any lockdowns.

While many shoppers have been out enjoying the newly opened shops - some others in society are less confident about returning to busy spaces.

Gordon MacPherson, a Malmesbury-based retail expert with the Retailer, said there would be mixed feelings in confidence as shoppers return to the high street.

He said: "Some will be delighted and will be fast out of the starting blocks to make up for missed time, and forecasts suggest a good summer ahead for retail due to pent up demand for goods and services.

"Some will be cautious and more careful when it comes to interacting face to face, while some will stay away altogether until scientists give the all clear to Government, making them feel more confident as a result.

"Personally, I think we may all be surprised by how quickly things return to some form of “normality”.

"One massive watch out for retailers is that online channels have grown over the last year. The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 36% of sales were made online, this increases to 42% when looking at non-food sales, and it’s likely to stay that way.

"It will be crucial for retailers and town managers to have good marketing plans in place, which run through the summer and into Autumn and beyond.”

Gordon said that traders have worked incredibly hard to make sure their spaces were covid-compliant and welcoming for shoppers.

He added: "They have been patient and will be keen to keep the high streets safe, and play their part in ensuring the roadmap to recovery is not thrown off track.”

Boris Johnson has urged the nation to “behave responsibly” as life took another step back towards normality.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

For high streets - it is currently unclear to what degree shoppers will boost Easter traded.

Gordon added: "Easter usually signals the kick start to the spring/summer season for shops and visitor attractions. Obviously, the Easter sales period was a miss this year but pent-up demand will soon come into play. Some analysts are forecasting high levels of consumer confidence given many were able to save during the various lockdowns, which points towards a speedy return to pre-COVID sales levels.

"Switched-on high street groups have created action plans which take into account the current legislation and will help reassure customers as they return to shopping locations.

"We are seeing interesting trends across many regions and there are four key areas that town leaders should focus on."

He said that communication and engagement with the community is key - and that local gift cards or loyalty schemes would be a good way of boosting trade and customer confidence.

Investing in online and click and collect options are also vital.

He added: "Finally, appropriate resource and implementation of strong action plans that are bespoke to each high street location will ensure places are set up for the return of customers.

 “Overall, the signs are good, and we expect to report on a speedy recovery and some good news for hard pressed retail and hospitality operators over the coming months.

"The areas with the best plans stretching across the year will fair best.”