The working week now follows a different rhythm. According to ONS data from April 2025, 14% of adults in Great Britain said they had exclusively worked from home in the past seven days, 41% had exclusively worked away from home, and 26% had done hybrid working. This evolution of working patterns creates new opportunities for city-centre and suburban hospitality businesses, and for retailers with strong fulfilment infrastructure.
Consumers are spending more time and money in their local communities, driving a shift in economic activity away from central business districts and towards neighbourhoods and digital platforms.
A shift in daily habits
19% say they now spend more money in their local area than they did before the COVID-19 lockdowns
22% value local and independent businesses more than they did pre-pandemic
22% now have more products delivered directly to their homes
Businesses' response
Retailers and hospitality businesses are adapting to changing consumer flows. From logistical upgrades to redesigned retail formats, the hybrid economy is prompting fresh thinking around how – and where – to meet demand.
Home delivery to click and collect
Demand for near-home fulfilment is rising as consumers prioritise convenience and flexibility in how they shop, driven by hybrid working patterns and changing lifestyles
Local businesses boosted on work-from-home days
While city centres now peak midweek, local high streets are thriving as remote workers spend more time and money closer to home
Thursday is the new Friday
Office culture is evolving, with many employees treating Thursday as the unofficial end of the week, reshaping traditional workplace routines and urban footfall
Hybrid working: the post-lockdown spending shift
The rise of hybrid working has reshaped consumer routines and directed more spending towards local economies. As people spend more time in their neighbourhoods, local businesses are key beneficiaries of this behavioural shift.
This infographic shows key findings in response to the survey question, “Thinking about how Covid-19 and related lockdowns have impacted your life, which if any of the following are true to you?”
Data highlights:
19% of respondents spend more in their local area than they did before lockdown
22% of respondents place more value on local and independent businesses than they did pre-pandemic
22% of respondents have more products delivered directly to their homes
What this means for brands
Location is no longer fixed – and brand strategies shouldn’t be either. With hybrid habits shaping how and where people shop, brands must flex their footprint and logistics.
“Even if hybrid working declines slightly, it’s unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels: meaning consumers will continue to spend more time in their homes and communities than before."
William Higham, Consumer Futurist and CEO of The Next Big Thing
Get in touch
To discuss your business requirements and how Barclays can support you, contact us today.