FootFall figures on last-minute rush
UK shoppers in final assault
The last minute Christmas rush by UK shoppers has exceeded retailers’ expectations, according to traffic analyst FootFall.
Its figures show shopper traffic for Thursday December 23 2004 up 32 per cent week-on-week compared to Thursday December 16, and up 21 per cent year-on-year compared to December 23 2003, which fell on a Tuesday.
FootFall’s year-on-year comparison of the week of December 17 to 23 2004 compared to December 17 to 23 shows an increase of 2 per cent.
David Smyth, business planning director at FootFall, said: “The week-on-week increase of 32 per cent for Thursday December 23 continues the strong trend we have seen this week as shoppers move onto the high street to finish their Christmas shopping.
“Thursday 23 was exceptional, with a strong year-on-year increase of 21 per cent. It appears that people worked the first three days of the week, and started their Christmas vacation on Thursday with a final shopping spree before travelling to Christmas destinations.
“In 2003, in comparison, many people took the first three days of the Christmas week off, and we saw a strong shopping day on Monday December 22, with people starting their Christmas travelling the following day.
“Although shopper volumes are evident, final retail trading figures will reveal the winners and losers over the Christmas period as we see whether the tactical, targeted discounting and sales have adversely affected margins.”
