THOUSANDS of shoppers poured into Southampton as stores reopened following the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Retail workers were rushed off their feet as families flocked to city centre outlets for the first time in more than three months.

Many headed for Southampton's premier shopping centre, Westquay, where staff monitored capacity throughout the day to ensure numbers never exceeded Covid-safe levels.

Almost all the 130 businesses were open, with traders hoping to benefit from months of pent-up demand.

Economists say households across the country are sitting on £159.5bn as a result of missing out on holidays and meals out as well as cutting expenditure in other areas such as clothing and commuting.

Yesterday has been dubbed Bounce Back Monday, with up to seven millions people thought to have visited high street shops.

As she watched families flow through the doors Westquay's general manager, Laura Read, estimated that around 30,000 people would pass through the complex during the course of the day.

She said: "We're delighted so many stores are open again - and it's great to see so many people in the centre.

"People love the the buzz, the excitement, of going into their favourite stores and buying something they love. Some customers have been getting quite emotional.

"Another date we're really looking forward to is May 17, when hopefully our leisure and eat-in operators will be allowed to open as well."

Elsewhere in the city centre a large number of shoppers gathered outside stores such as Primark, Urban Outfitters and JD Sports. Hairdressers also did a roaring trade, with people desperate to lose their lockdown locks.

Duo Barbers in East Street was open for the first time since before Christmas - but only to people who had made appointments.

Owner Adam Wilde said: "We're fully booked today and for the next three-and-a-half weeks. It's brilliant to be back, seeing money coming in and feeling that sense of security."

Giles Semper, head of Go! Southampton added: "There’s a real sense of excitement around the city centre.

"When we came out of lockdown last June we bounced back as strongly as anywhere in the country and I expect the same thing to happen this time.

"It’s not just a case of getting your hair cut or buying that thing you’ve needed for many months. Shopping in Southampton is a social thing that has been deeply missed.

"First signs are that the city centre has survived the worst consequences of the pandemic, with the level of empty shops no higher than before albeit with some changes of occupancy.

"Nevertheless we feel deeply sorry for people who have lost their jobs and businesses due to entirely unexpected events.

"We do urge Sotonians to return to the city centre but, of course, to act safely and responsibly. This re-opening has been so hard won that it would be miserable to lose it."