Wynsors World of Shoes, the leading footwear retail chain with more than 50 stores nationwide, has seen a 45% year-on-year increase in the sale of hiking and walking boots – and is putting the unlikely boost down to Brits opting for a ‘staycation’ over a holiday abroad, thanks to Brexit uncertainty and anticipation over another long hot British summer.
Research undertaken by the retailer backs up the sales uplift, with almost half (47%) of UK adults have been ‘unsure’ about booking a holiday, waiting to see the outcome of Brexit and how that affect their finances and holidays.
78% of those polled also said that they are planning a ‘staycation’ – holidaying in the UK rather than abroad – this summer, 16% of which have never previously been on a staycation.
Meanwhile one in ten British households will not go on any summer holiday this year, either at home or abroad, due to the uncertainty.
Danny Bergin, sales manager at Wynsors World of Shoes said; “It’s an unexpected boost for an unlikely reason, but it’s clear that for once the country agrees on one thing – getting their walking boots on and taking staycations in the UK this summer.
“Flip flops are normally one of our biggest summer sellers as Brits pack-up and head for sunshine abroad, but the big rise in sales of walking boots is a welcome surprise at this time of year and it’s great to see Brits are holidaying closer to home and putting their best foot forward.”
Last month, figures released by tourism body VisitBritain shoes that around eight million Brits enjoyed UK breaks over Easter – with booking rocketing for a bumper summer season, potentially seeing spending on holidays in the UK by Brits increasing from £14.3billion in 2018 to over £20billion this year.
The survey of 2,000 adults by Wynsors World of Shoes also showed that whilst a trip to the seaside was still top the charts on the staycation bucket-list, walks in the countryside and hill climbing also are set to be a big summer hit as Brits make the most of what the UK has to offer.
Brexit Staycation Bucket List:
- Visit to traditional British seaside resort 81%
- Hill climbing and walks in the countryside 70%
- City break to another big UK town or city 59%
- Visit to a National Trust site(s) 57%
- Visit to a Go Ape / adventure play park 53%
- Bike riding 38%
- The zoo 37%
- Theme parks 35%
- Swimming or water slide centre 31%
- Horse riding 8%
**% on the bucket list indicates how many people said they planned to do this (multiple choice).
Wynsors World of Shoes now has more than 50 styles of walking and hiking shoes on sale, with savings of up to £55 – see this link: https://www.wynsors.com/womens/boots/walking-boots