Encouragement needed for consumers to return to shops: NIRC
Consumers need encouragement to return to shops it has been claimed, as the latest footfall figures for Northern Ireland show footfall increased by 1.3% in October.
Down from +2.5% in September, the rise represents the biggest increase of the four nations and is better than the UK average decrease of 1.1% year-on-year.
However, footfall in Belfast decreased by 0.6% (year-on-year) in October, down from +3.7% in September, while shopping centre footfall also decreased by 4.4% in October (year-on-year) in Northern Ireland, down from -0.8% in September.
The figures from the latest Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC)-Sensormatic data, cover the four weeks from 29th September to 26th October.
Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said that last month Northern Ireland recorded the second-best shopper footfall performance of the 13 nations and regions surveyed across the UK and better than the UK as a whole.
“That said, this was the weakest growth in foot-traffic for three months, a little concerning at what is traditionally the start of the so-called golden quarter of trading,” said Mr Johnston.
“This reflects consumers’ reaction to mixed economic news and a fiscal narrative from government that has rarely been positive in recent months.”
He added that an injection of confidence was needed into the economy and consumers.
“Retailers are looking to Westminster and Stormont to provide this – and are certainly hoping that they do as little as possible to increase costs on retailers and shoppers in the coming months,” said Mr Johnston.
“Shopkeepers continue to strive to create vibrant high streets and retail hubs in communities across Northern Ireland, as they continue to invest and provide jobs throughout every town and village. Government has taken a number of measures in the budget that will largely have a negative effect. We hope Stormont will do its bit to provide a positive environment.”
Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, Andy Sumpter added that retailers need to look ahead and focus their efforts on the rest of the ‘golden quarter’.
“After the positive footfall performance we saw in September, October’s footfall dipped on the previous month’s figures,” said Mr Sumpter.
“Whilst shopper traffic still remained positive compared to 2023 last month, the caveat is that we still expect to see a bumpy recovery as a myriad of market conditions – from the cost of living to shaky consumer confidence around the Budget – continue to make footfall performance volatile.”
