UK shopper numbers hit low point
May Day holiday sees traffic figures fall
May 13 2003
The number of UK shoppers fell by 7.8 per cent in the first week of May, compared to the previous week.
Figures from the FootFall Index also show that the number of shoppers was 1.3 per cent down compared to the same trading period in 2002.
David Smyth, marketing manager at FootFall said the week of the Mayday holiday has been the lowest week of the year as far as shopper numbers is concerned over the four years the index has been running.
He added: “However, most significant is that this is the lowest level the index has been since we started tracking shopper numbers on a national basis. It is not clear exactly why this happens but the fact that this week contains the May Bank Holiday and usually has good weather associated with it appears to have had a consistent impact on shopping habits four years running. This last week, though, has certainly had its fair share of inconsistent weather which may have resulted in this additional drop.
“We expect to see an upswing this week back to the normal trading pattern we have been seeing. However, with the FA Cup Final being played this Saturday the overall effect on shopper numbers may not be as positive as we would like.”
