Department Stores success comes at a cost for the high street
The latest figures from FootFall suggest a clear split on the horizon for UK retail, with department stores surging ahead of the national trend, which is in turn outperforming the High Street
The number of people heading to department stores last week was up by almost 9%, compared to the same week in 2005, with overall national levels falling by 0.7% and town centre shopper numbers falling by 2.6%.
Natasha Burton at FootFall said “The staggered school holidays and wintry weather, which has affected many parts of the country, has provided mixed fortunes for retailers. The holiday period boosted general footfall levels, though the return of the cold weather reduced shopper numbers in town centres. Many consumers chose instead to visit department stores, or covered centres, in order to remain indoors and avoid the cold and snow outside.
“A combination of well-targeted marketing campaigns and insightful purchasing decisions has continued to position department stores as a must visit shopping destination. High Street retailers must now focus on capturing consumer’s attention with Spring product lines and promotions, or risk losing out further to department stores, which offer consumers the convenience of a ‘one-stop-shop’.
“The general trend in shopper numbers appears to be in line with 2005, though next week’s Retail FootFall Index will indicate whether the timing of the school break has created an artificial high, which may not be indicative of the greater trend. Year on year levels may, therefore, return to the lows experienced throughout January, meaning that retailers must remain bullish in their efforts to draw shoppers into stores,”
The figures in detail:
Retail FootFall Index – UK National Weekly:
Change for week 8 (20th February 2006 – 27th February 2006):- 6.0%
Change for week 8 year on year:- 0.7%
Retail FootFall Index – Town Centre:
Change for week 8 (20th February 2006 – 27th February 2006):- 6.5%
Change for week 8 year on year:- 2.6%
Retail FootFall Index – Department Store:
Change for week 8 (20th February 2006 – 27th February 2006):-10.1%
Change for week 8 year on year:+8.9%
