Experian Footfall Commentary: Retail footfall rises for 19 - 25 September 2011
Retail footfall grew by 2.9% from the previous week during 19 September to 25 September as people begin to look towards the Christmas period.
Retail grew, but was stil 2.3%down the same period over the previous year, according to the Experian Footfall Retail Index.
A weekly increase, albeit a smaller one, of 0.8% was also experience by retail parks, although this too was down by 1.3% on last year.
Said the Experience Retail Footfall Commentary: “Despite the Experian FootFall Retail Index falling by 2.3% compared to the same week last year, the week-on-week figures show an increase of 2.9%. The weekly uplift is the start of the upward trend that we will see at this time of the year, as people start to hit the shops ahead of Christmas.
“The Experian FootFall Retail Park Index has this week followed similar patterns to that of the National Index, showing a week-on-week uplift of 0.8% and falling 1.3% against the corresponding week last year.
“The heavy rainfall at the weekend failed to encourage shoppers in stores as both the UK National Index and the Retail Park Index reported a weekend drop of 5% and 4% respectively, compared to the same weekend last year. The better weather forecast in the coming weeks will be welcomed by consumers, although retailers may find the changing conditions are a poor backdrop for the Autumn/Winter ranges and the early appearance of Christmas stock."