The latest data from Barclaycard shows that sales in local food and drink stores grew by a 30.5% in March with sales in supermarkets up 21.3%.
In the week before social distancing measures were introduced, sales in local businesses shot up a huge 80%.
The data also reveals that travel fell by 40.5% and fuel purchases decreased by 4.2% as shoppers spent more time at home.
Online purchases rose by 5.5% while total in-store transactions dropped 4.0%.
Confidence in the UK economy fell to 25% yet more than half of shoppers chose to buy locally to support independent businesses.
Total consumer spending dropped 6.0% year-on-year in March as measures to tackle coronavirus were introduced.
Esme Harwood, Director at Barclaycard, said: “The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact everyday life in the UK, and this is naturally reflected in where and how Brits are spending their money. It’s no surprise that essential spend has increased as tighter movement restrictions have meant consumers are largely staying indoors, and therefore unable to visit the high-street, socialise in person, or travel.”
