Cold weather heightens North-South divide for UK retail.
Figures by FootFall reveal the North-South divide to be alive and kicking for the UK retail sector, with London and the South East outperforming the rest of the UK by a significant margin last week.
The number of shoppers in London and the South East increased by 2.9%, compared to the same week in 2005, while the number of people visiting retail destinations in the remainder of the UK decreased by an average 7.2%. The North East and Scotland faired particularly badly with shopper numbers falling by 19.4% and 12% respectively.
Natasha Burton at FootFall said “There are two prominent factors behind the clear North-South divide that has developed for UK retailers; the boost to the regional economy from increasing numbers of tourists in London and the South East, and adverse weather conditions in the Midlands, North and Scotland which have seen many shoppers stay at home rather than venture out.
“London has seen an influx of overseas tourists after an extended campaign by Visit London, strengthening demand for luxury goods. In addition, retailers in the region have benefited dramatically from widespread discounting and promotional activity, across clothing and sportswear in particular.
“Weather conditions also dramatically favoured Southern England last week, with temperatures averaging 5.00C compared to an average of just 3.20C for the rest of the UK. The North East was hit by a cold snap that saw temperatures average just 2.30C, with shopper numbers falling by a significant 19.4%, demonstrating the direct impact adverse weather has for retailers.
“As conditions improve and Spring gains momentum, retailers will be hoping for periods of prolonged sunshine to give consumers the incentive to invest in the season’s new product lines up and down the country.”
Retail FootFall Indices (RFI) for UK Regions
Year-on-year changes for week 10 (6th March – 12th March 2006):
London & South East +2.9%
East of England +0.6%
South West & Wales -0.2%
East Midlands -4.7%
West Midlands -6.6%
North West -8.1%
Scotland -12.0%
North East -19.4%
