April boost for Northern Ireland retailers as Easter has impact

Northern Ireland footfall increased by 14.3% in April (year-on-year-) new data shows, up from -9.0% in March.

A welcome boost to footfall figures, shoppers were out in force over the Easter break and followed what was described as a “deeply disappointing March”.

Footfall in Belfast increased by 21.3% in April (year-on-year), while shopping centre footfall increased by 13.6% (year-on-year), up from -9.6% in March.

The latest figures from Northern Ireland Retail Consortium-Sensormatic data show that the later Easter inevitably had an impact on footfall figures.

“While most of the volatility in the figures over the past two months is undoubtedly due to Easter falling in April this year and March last year, there are reasons for some guarded optimism,” said Neil Johnston, Director of NIRC.

“The surge in shoppers in Belfast, for example, is quite remarkable and significantly greater than elsewhere in the country.

“Retailers will be keeping their fingers crossed in the hope that shoppers will continue to visit their high street stores, shopping centres and retail parks over the coming months.”

He added that retailers would also be hoping for increased sales as they battle escalating business costs.

“The hike in employers’ National Insurance changes has just come in to force and Northern Ireland continues to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe,” said Neil Johnston.

“Additional costs in complying with the requirements of the Windsor Framework are in the pipeline with new rules coming into force in May and July.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said April brought a welcome rebound in footfall, with UK shopper numbers rising +7.2% year-on-year across all retail destinations.

“The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores,” he said.

“High streets and shopping centres both saw solid gains of +5.3% and 5.6% respectively. Retail parks continued to outperform at 7.5%, reinforcing their role as a resilient format.”

However, looking at March and April together, a more balanced picture is formed, said Andy, with footfall across the two months up just 0.7% year-on-year.

“While this suggests April’s gains largely offset March’s dip, it also highlights the importance of sustained engagement beyond seasonal peaks,” added Andy.

“Retailers will now be looking to build on this momentum as we move into the summer months.”