NI only region to enjoy footfall rise across the board
Northern Ireland was the only UK region to see footfall rise in all shopping areas, a body representing local retailer has said.
Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) figures covering the four weeks 30 October – 26 November 2016 found Northern Ireland footfall rose 3.5 per cent year-on-year in Northern Ireland in November.
It was also the only UK region to see growth in the high street, retail parks, and shopping centres.
The most recent footfall figure is well above the three-month average of -1.8 per cent and the 12-month average of -1.2 per cent.
Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium said: “It is hugely encouraging in the run up to our busiest time of year that consumers are showing their commitment to shops across Northern Ireland, especially on our high streets, which saw a sparkling 4.7% growth last month.
“The overall footfall growth rate of 3.5% is our best performance in over two years.”
Mr Connolly greater commitment to the retail industry was needed to build on the strong performance.
“The retail industry is already delivering on half of the key indicators in the Executive’s draft Programme for Government, some achievement from an industry that accounts for only 12% of the economy,” he said.
The NIRC director also said that a coherent plan was need to ensure retail can play an integral part in the growth of the Northern Ireland economy.
“We understand the Scottish government is considering a retail strategy for their jurisdiction and this is an area where we in Northern Ireland cannot afford to fall behind, especially as Brexit is likely to affect our consumers more than anywhere else in the UK.
“What retailers need from the Economy Minister and the Executive as a whole is not just recognition of the positive contribution of our industry but a strategic partnership to deliver, jobs, growth, investment and exports.”
