According to two new reports, Britain’s shoppers took to the high street in force over the Easter weekend despite the big freeze. New West End Company, which represents 600 retailers in London, revealed shoppers spent £130 million over the three shopping days. Meanwhile, retail analyst Springboard said there was a 6% increase in footfall across the country, with shopping centres receiving the biggest boost.
New West End Company revealed that footfall across London’s three main shopping streets – Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street – rose 3.9% compared to last year, with shoppers spending £130 million over the three shopping days. Director Jace Tyrrell commented, “Despite reports of domestic travellers making lastminute overseas trips and concern amongst businesses that the cold weather would keep shoppers at home, shoppers were out in force in London’s West End.” International shoppers helped boost footfall, with the Easter weekend a traditionally key holiday for US and European tourists.
A second report from retail analyst Springboard, which monitors footfall in 85 towns and cities, said there was a 6% increase in footfall across the country, with some retailers reporting growth into double figures. Shopping centres saw the biggest rise in footfall, no doubt helped by the coldest Easter on record, with visitors up 7.35% on last year. Shoppers on high streets increased 6.6%, whilst out-of-town retail parks saw numbers increase 4%. Diane Wehrle, Retail Insights Director at Springboard, said “This Easter hit after a payday weekend and struggling retailers will be thankful for that.”
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