Retail boost as region enjoys second successive month of rising footfall
Northern Ireland was the exception across the UK, recording an increase in shopper numbers – up 2.8% in August – up a second consecutive rise.
The region’s shopping centres also saw a rise in footfall, up 6.6% and again an increase on the 6.2% in July. There was also positive news for Belfast’s footfall, with a 1.8% increase, up from 0.8% in July.
The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium-Sensormatic data covers the four weeks from 2nd to 29th August.
Director of the NIRC, Neil Johnston said that retailing remains in an extremely place with spiralling cost pressures.
“The trend across the UK all year has been declining footfall, so shop keepers in Northern Ireland will very much welcome the increase in footfall for a second successive month in August,” said Neil.
“Northern Ireland was an exception this month in recording an increase in shopper numbers – up 2.8% on the same month last year – while England, Scotland and Wales were all down. Across the UK as a whole it was down 1.7%.”
Neil added that while the Fleadh was a clear benefit to tourism and hospitality, the impact on retailing was more modest.
“Retailers have long said that it is important that city centres are multi-dimensional,” said Neil.
“To be vibrant they need to have more residents and office workers, a robust entertainment offering and thriving evening economy, as well as a strong retail core. The Fleadh clearly has a role to play as part of that.
“Going forward all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses need the NI Executive to recognise that we can best build on our successes by lowering the business rate on all of those who are working to provide vibrant city and town centres. The UK and Scottish governments have done this through lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure – Stormont needs to do the same.”
Head of Consulting and Analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, Andy Sumpter said Northern Ireland’s sustained growth highlights the relative resilience of its retail sector.
“Shopping centres were a particular bright spot, with retailers recording a robust increase in visits, demonstrating consumers’ continued appetite for destination-based retail,” said Andy.
“More broadly, August’s result suggests Northern Ireland continues to hold firmer ground than many other parts of the UK despite ongoing pressures on household budgets.
“While consumer behaviour remains cautious, a second consecutive month of strong growth will be encouraging for retailers as they look to build momentum ahead of the crucial golden quarter.”
