Heatwave keeps shoppers from the high street
The heatwave has ended the desire for people to hit the shops and spend.
FootFall figures released today show a drop in visitor numbers of 2.6% week-on-week, although the index remains relatively flat at + 0.2% compared to 2005.
Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall, comments: “We had been having a good run of people returning to the shops and spending over the last four weeks. However, as the period of extreme weather continues, it is keeping consumers away from the shops as they choose to enjoy the weather with friends and family.
“However, the heat has been driving comfort purchases such as fans and air conditioning units and other leisure items, including barbecue goods and ice creams. Necessity shopping is still taking place but other leisure activities and trips tend to fill the gap previously occupied by a shopping trip.
“The Town Centre Index has been more susceptible to the heatwave, with a drop in visitors of 3.7% on last week. Those shoppers who are out and about have been favouring indoor destinations where they can avoid the heat and stay where the temperature is controlled.
“It is not all gloom and doom though. With the start of the school holidays next week, retailers should see a rise in footfall. Historically, it presents extra opportunities for shopping trips as people prepare for summer holidays in the UK or abroad, so retailers should be prepared.”
FootFall Index – UK National Weekly:
Change for week 28 (10th July – 16th July 2006): – 2.6%
Change for week 28 year-on-year: + 0.2%
Retail FootFall Index – UK Town Centre
Change for week 28 (10th July – 16th July 2006): – 3.7%
Change for week 28 year-on-year: – 1.6%
