January boost in retail footfall reversed by February’s decline
RETAIL footfall slumped again in February after a stronger start to 2014, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard.
Traffic fell by 2.9 per cent in the year to February, more than reversing the 1.6 per cent increase recorded in January. High street stores were the biggest losers last month, with a 5.3 per cent reduction in footfall over the year.
Every region recorded a decline in footfall: London’s reduction was the smallest, down only two per cent, while Welsh footfall plunged 8.8 per cent over the year. The BRC and Springboard blamed poor weather for part of the drop.
“Gains early on over the last year meant that high streets are on par with shopping centres over the last 12 months with a drop of 1.9 per cent each.” said Springboard’s Diane Wehrle retail insights director.