TK MAXX and Primark were the most popular shops for residents across Cheshire East, and Cheshire West and Chester, as stores reopened last week.

As coronavirus restrictions eased many retailers were allowed to open their doors for the first time since early January.

The banking firm Revolut analysed the data of 11,000 of its customers in Cheshire East between April 12 and 18, comparing it to the average weekly spend in February 2020, before lockdown started.

Cheshire East shoppers spent 89 per cent more on average last week than normal, according to their data – with TK Maxx the most popular shop.

The first day of trading saw even higher levels of spending, with 188 per cent more splurged than the average Monday in February of last year.

Meanwhile, analysing the data of 7,000 Revolut customers in Cheshire West and Chester, shoppers in this area spent 53 per cent more on average last week than normal, according to their data – with Primark the most popular shop.

And on the first day of trading, 124 per cent more was spent compared to the average Monday in February of last year.

Retail spending increased 92 per cent across England as a whole, Revolut's figures show.

Revolut said the data shows there is strong demand right across the country, with many people eager to spend savings built up since non-essential shops closed on January 5.

But, with bars lacking outdoor space not able to serve drinks yet, spending in Cheshire East pubs was 27 per cent down on February last year.

However, the Revolut data suggests pub-goers spent much more than usual when buying rounds.

The average transaction in pubs in the area was £15.59 last week – up 56 per cent on the typical spend across an average week before the pandemic, of £9.99.

In Cheshire West and Chester, the average transaction £14.67 – up 34 per cent on the typical spend of £10.97.