Footfall picture positive for NI but clouded by stormy weather
It was a positive picture for Northern Ireland footfall last month, with overall footfall increasing by 3.8% in January (year-on-year), up from -1.7% in December.
Footfall in Belfast increased by 1.4% in January (year-on-year), up from –2.8% in December, while shopping centre footfall increased by 4.9% last month (year-on-year), up from -1.9% the previous month.
The latest statistics from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and Sensormatic cover the four weeks from 4th to 31st January 2026. Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said it had been a positive start to the year despite the stormy weather.
“Northern Ireland performed strongly in terms of footfall compared to other regions and turned in the second best performance of the 12 areas surveyed,” said Neil.
“The number of shoppers out and about was up by 3.8% compared to last January when shoppers were in short supply as Northern Ireland was hit hard by Strom Eowyn. This January has also seen pretty stormy weather too, but thankfully it was nowhere near as disruptive as last year.”
Neil Johnston added the improvement was seen across all destinations, with the wet weather possibly playing a part in driving people indoors to shopping centres.
“Across the UK, actual retail sales increased by 2.7% year-on-year in January, a welcome start to the year, but retailers are facing challenges in increasing energy costs and packaging taxes,” added Neil.
“In GB, the recently passed Employment Rights Act will also add costs. Stormont is set to introduce its own Employment Rights Bill and it’s crucial the Executive works closely with retailers to get the implementation right to raise standards without harming entry-level and flexible jobs and unduly adding to the cost burden on good employers.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said that January had shown a welcome uplift.
“As retailers continue to focus on value, experience and convenience, Northern Ireland’s early year uplift provides a solid platform, and after a challenging December, some may feel this is the month when footfall finally found firmer ground,” he said.
