Sunshine brings out UK shoppers
SPSL reports first increase since January
July 2 2003
Good weather across much of the UK during June seems to have encouraged shoppers out to sample the summer sales.
The latest Retail Traffic Index from SPSL shows year-on-year retail traffic numbers in June were up for the first time since January this year. While the 0.1 per cent increase is modest, it builds on the strengthening trend of recent months, and suggests an uplift in consumer confidence.
There was also better news in London and the South East, where shopper numbers have been low all year, with traffic up 0.3 per cent on June 2002.
Dr Tim Denison, director of knowledge management at SPSL, said: “We must bear in mind that June 2002 was an unusual month, containing both the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Football World Cup. This said, the figures must be seen as good news for retailers. It is particularly welcome in the South East where retail traffic has failed to match the previous year’s levels since October 2002.
“The upturn was born out of both a busy half term and a good start to the summer sales. Retailers seem to have been quick to detect the consumer’s return to form last month, and have played their part in nurturing a revival by moving to sale a little early.”
Out of town retail parks, site of many DIY and homeware stores, saw retail traffic levels up 1.2 per cent. Dr Denison said: “This trend continues to reflect the strength of the house market. It seems consumers are still using their property as their main investment vehicle as well as a bellwether of how secure they feel financially.”
