Bank holiday clouds have silver lining for retailers
Although the miserable Bank Holiday weather disappointed British holidaymakers, it proved positive for retailers.
Figures released today by FootFall, show a rise in UK shopper numbers over the Bank Holiday weekend of 3.8% compared to 2005.
Natasha Burton, a spokesperson for FootFall said “We would traditionally expect shopper numbers to begin increasing in the run up to summer and the school holidays. The first five months of the year have been tough for retailers; figures are down significantly on 2005, but the Late May Bank Holiday weekend has given retail a boost and paved the way for the expected long-term rises in footfall.
“Forecasts of a gloomy weekend coupled with the changeable weather witnessed towards the end of the week made shopping the ideal diversion for consumers. There were sizeable increases in shopper numbers of 3.1% on Sunday and 2.7% on Monday compared to last year. Saturday proved the least popular day with a year-on-year rise of only 0.4%. However, Saturday’s poorer performance fits the usual pattern for extended weekends where one day is saved for alternative activities in the knowledge that there is ‘extra time’ to fit in shopping.
“The number of shoppers hitting the high street over the weekend shows that consumers are regaining their appetite for spending. The feel-good factor surrounding the approaching World Cup is already evident, with consumer confidence buoyed by hopes of England’s success this summer. We would expect footfall levels to continue rising over the coming weeks, providing well-prepared retailers with an opportunity to turn their fortunes around,”
Retail FootFall Index – Bank Holiday Weekend (27th, 28th and 29th May 2006) Change for Bank Holiday Weekend, year-on-year: +3.8%
Change for Saturday (27th May 2006 v 28th May 2005) +0.4% Change for Sunday (28th May 2006 v 29th May 2005) +3.1% Change for Monday (29th May 2006 v 30th May 2005) +2.7%
