Earlier Easter gives sweet boost to footfall figures
There was an Easter boost for Northern Ireland footfall last month, with an increase of 4.9% in March (year-on-year), up from -2.3% in February.
This meant Northern Ireland was the best performing part of the UK for shopper footfall last month when compared to the same period the year before.
The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and Sensormatic data does come with the caveat that this year Easter is in March’s figures, while it was in April’s figures last year, meaning the calendar change distorts the year-on-year footfall comparisons.
Meanwhile, shopping centre footfall also increased, by 8.1% in March, up from -0.6% in February and footfall in Belfast increased by 7.5% (year-on-year), up from -2.8% in February.
Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said Northern Ireland remains the best performing region in the UK.
“The week running up to Easter was good across the country, very good in Northern Ireland and exceptional in Belfast. The previous four weeks were a little disappointing but at 4.9% growth for Northern Ireland overall, the figure was double that of the UK,” said Neil Johnston.
“Belfast was near the top of the league table in terms of UK cities, but again it really was all about the last week of trading during the period measured. The use of a five-week period and the inclusion of the week up to Easter make direct comparisons difficult, however Northern Ireland footfall continues to be better than the rest of the UK.”
Looking ahead, he added there were some tough days ahead for retailers here.
“Retailers will in recent days have received their business rates bill for this year and, while we are thankful the Minister John O’Dowd MLA kept the regional rate rise to 3% and the councils too kept their rises lower than recent years, it still represents a significant financial burden,” he said.
“Retailers will also be concerned about the impact of the current conflict in the Middle East. We have all seen the impact on fuel prices and we await with trepidation to see how that feeds into prices and the undoubtedly negative impact it will have on consumers.”
Retail Consultant EMA for Sensormatic Solutions, Andy Sumper said the welcome uplift in footfall for Northern Ireland marks an encouraging shift in momentum but warned the improvement needs viewed in context.
“Much of March’s uplift was driven by an Easter boost. Last year’s comparison was also relatively weak due to the later timing of Easter, amplifying the apparent growth,” said Andy.
“Without the final week’s Easter bump, March would likely have been far more subdued – raising questions over how April may perform, particularly against much stronger comparables last year.
“Ongoing pressures continue to shape consumer behaviour,” he added.
“Declining confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs – especially fuel – are still encouraging caution and fewer discretionary trips. March’s growth is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether footfall can hold once the Easter boost passes and tougher comparisons return.”
