Footfall levels drop by 5% compared to 2005
Figures released today FootFall, show that the half-term holidays and Halloween helped retailers attract a 3.6 per cent month-on-month increase in shopper numbers during October 2006, though the underlying trend for the year remains a cause for concern.
The number of people visiting retail destinations in October was 5.2% less than in the same month last year.
Last week did provide some relief for retailers, with the week-on-week decline in footfall levels less than expected following the half-term shopping rush, bringing 2006 levels back in line with those seen in 2004.
Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall comments: “Consumer demand remains fragile, with retail sales growth slowing in recent months. Inflation also appeared on the High Street for the first time since 2001 as retailers looked to claw back sales revenue deficits compared to last year. “The likely rise in the base rate of interest by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in November is also likely to have a significant impact on consumers’ propensity to spend as mortgage payments rise alongside the cost of servicing debt.
