Retail set for Easter rebirth after March footfall sees 1.8 pc boost
RETAIL footfall rebounded in March, rising 1.8 per cent above levels seen in the same month last year and with high street stores seeing the best footfall in 11 months, according to data released today.
Figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard today show a jump for out-of town stores and high streets, while shopping centre foot traffic declined by 0.5 per cent over the 12 month period.
Springboard is forecasting a big jump in footfall over Easter, in comparison to the same bank holiday weekend last year. Out of town stores are projected to be the biggest winners on Good Friday, with foot traffic expected to be 9.5 per cent higher than it was last year, while high streets are expected to see nine per cent more footfall on Easter Monday.
“With the shift in Easter to April this year, it will be important to look at April’s results as well to understand the full footfall picture. Retailers will be working hard to support this positive trend” said Diane Wehrle, director general of the BRC.