Festive promotions lure shoppers back to the high street
Figures released today by FootFall, suggest a prosperous festive season may still be on the horizon for retailers after all.
In the week commencing 14th November visitors to retail destinations were up by 8.5% on the previous week, with a decrease of 2.9% year-on-year, representing a substantial improvement on recent weeks, which have seen year-on-year figures down by up to 6%.
Natasha Burton at FootFall said “The recent cold snap has seen a surge in the sale of seasonal items like winter clothing, with retailers such as John Lewis reporting increased sales on the same period last year. However this latest upturn in shopper numbers is also testament to the dedicated, well-prepared marketing strategies rolled out by the major retailers.
“After the ‘cat and mouse’ game of nerve between shoppers and retailers in 2003 and the introduction of the one day mid-week spectacular in 2004, 2005 has seen the major players planning for the festive season well in advance. Fully integrated strategies encompassing internet, TV, radio and in-store promotions have worked to lure shoppers back to the High Street.
“In the last week big promotions and discount days from retailers such as BhS, Debenhams and M&S have ensured that the large department stores are looking like the real winners. Shopper numbers in department stores were up 11.5% on the previous week, providing a boost across the sector.
“Hopefully, increased numbers of shoppers on the High Street will be retained by rolling promotions across a wide variety of stores and consumers will continue to shop early for Christmas, taking advantage of these offers rather than relying on last-minute sprees.”
