Footfall in the region decreased by 1.0% in May (year-on-year), up from -14.3% in April, while footfall in shopping centres decreased by 0.2% last month, up from -12.8% in April.

The latest figures from NIRC-Sensormatic data also reveals that footfall in Belfast increased by 0.1% (year-on-year), up from -15.4% in April. The figures cover the four weeks from 3^rd to 30^th May.

While Northern Ireland continued to perform well in terms of shopper footfall when compared to other parts of the country, consumers are still being cautious. As Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston outlined, shoppers are concerned that the impact of war in Iran has yet to hit, leaving consumer confidence low.

“Total retail footfall was down 2.6% across the UK compared to the same period last year. Northern Ireland, however, was only down 1% while Belfast was marginally up with a rise of 0.1%,” said Neil Johnston.

“Edinburgh and Belfast were the only two cities across the UK to experience an increase in the number of shoppers. Ironically, the arrival of good weather in the final week of the month clearly had a negative impact with consumers less minded to head to shops when the weather is fine.”

Mr Johnston added that consumer confidence remains depressed as a result of the costs accruing from the international instability.

“Everyone is expecting inflation to rise in coming months, so consumers are likely to remain cautious,” he added.

“The Westminster Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will need to tread carefully to ensure they don’t exacerbate those concerns. Indeed, they need to explore what they can do to reduce burdens and costs on retailers in order to ease the cost-of-living pressure on consumers over the coming months.”

Meanwhile, Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said that results reflect the lingering impact of an early Easter and a difficult April.

“Consumer confidence may be edging up slightly, but it remains fragile, with geopolitical uncertainty continuing to weigh on discretionary spend. Shoppers in Northern Ireland also appeal to be changing how they engage with physical retail,” said Andy.

“While visits to retailers within shopping centres fell, overall visits to shopping centres rose – one of the few positives this month – suggesting consumers are still visiting destinations, but making fewer, more considered purchases.”

He added that while May does little to fundamentally shift the broader narrative of cautious consumers and pressured footfall, Northern Ireland’s relative outperformance suggests demand has held up better than in much of the UK.

“For retailers, the challenge and the opportunity lie in converting these more deliberate visits into meaningful spend, by delivering the right mix of value, relevance and experience as we head into the summer months.”

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Meanwhile, further data has suggested the ban has not worked as intended and has instead pushed some vapers towards illicit products or a return to smoking.

A survey of 6000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium for ELFBAR found that one in six of those who previously used single-use vapes have relapsed to smoking or started smoking more, with the survey identifying a gradual increase in smoking prevalence; 16% of respondents say they now regularly smoke, compared with 15% in December 2025 and 14% in December 2024.

However, the survey also found that seven in 10 (72%) of daily vapers had switched to reusable vapes, with 79% buying refills each time, while 77% said reusable products helped them cut back or quit smoking.

Elsewhere, a separate survey from Haypp, found that 35% of respondents said they had purchased a disposable vape since the ban was introduced, indicating an active black market for the product.

The main sources for the purchase of illicit disposable vapes are corner shops/convenience stores (51%); car boot sales/market stalls (35%); independent vape shops (28%) and friends or family members (28%).

Additionally, the survey found that the ban has resulted in some reduced demand for vapes, with 61% of respondents saying they have reduced how much they vape and 8% said they had quite vaping altogether.

The data has highlighted a shift in consumer behaviour, with the survey showing that some vapers have replaced disposable vapes with traditional cigarettes (41%); nicotine pouches/snus (44%); refillable vapes (17%) and chewing tobacco (12%).

“By introducing a blanket ban, the government has inadvertently fuelled the black market and, most concerningly, pushed 41% of those who have reduced their vaping to cigarettes,” said Dr Marina Murphy, Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at Haypp.

“While it is positive to see 44% moving to tobacco-free alternatives such as nicotine pouches, we must acknowledge that the negative outcomes from the ban far outweigh the positive. As the government begins to implement the Tobacco and Vapes Act, the lesson from the disposable vapes ban is that blanket bans do not work.”

Meanwhile, the survey conducted by ELFBAR is part of a series of ongoing studies examining smoker behaviour and publica attitudes to vaping-related issues. Opinium has surveyed 46,000 adults since 2023 (across eight separate waves), making it one of the most comprehensive datasets on vaping behaviours and trends in the UK.

The large majority of vapers (78%) know that used vape refill pods and devices should not be disposed of in general waste bins. In practice, two thirds (65%) of current daily vapers say they either recycle their pods and devices, have attempted to, or retain them for future recycling. However, 26% still report disposing of either the pod or device in waste bins.

The survey also shows consumer engagement with illicit products, with one in four current vapers (25%) saying they have knowingly bought them (30% in December 2024). Of these, 39% had done so within the past three months. The findings align with reports from Trading Standards that the illegal vape market has fallen since the single-use ban, though it remains a significant challenge.

Purchases of illicit products made in the last month were most commonly from retail shops (16%), followed by market or street sellers (11%), online (7%) and friends (4%).

Eve Peters, director of government affairs for ELFBAR in the UK said it was positive to find the transition to reusable vapes has embedded one year on, but added that disruption to established product categories has had unintended consequences, including relapse for some smokers.

“This underlines the need for clear, consistent public messaging on the effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation took, alongside proportionate regulation that supports smokers to make the switch,” she said.

“It is incumbent on all, including those in government, to ensure that the messaging around vaping remains consistent and highlights the evidence that it is much safer than smoking.”

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The latest phase brings the total number of trees planted to 25,000 across communities throughout the region, reinforcing the retailers’ long-standing commitment to supporting local environments and enhancing biodiversity where their stores operate.

Delivered in partnership with Trees on the Land, a charity and not-for-profit project from the Green Economy Foundation, the initiative continues to provide meaningful benefits at a community level – from creating green spaces for schools and clubs, to supporting farmers with natural boundaries and habitats that protect soil and wildlife. The 2026 planting programme has once again seen widespread engagement, with projects delivered across both rural and urban locations.

Maurice Cusack, Head of Retail Marketing for SuperValu and Centra said: “At SuperValu and Centra, being a community retailer means investing in initiatives that deliver long-term value where it matters most – in the communities we serve.

“Through this partnership with Trees on the Land, we’re not only contributing to a greener environment, but also supporting local schools, clubs and farmers to create sustainable spaces that will benefit their communities for years to come. Reaching 25,000 trees planted is an important milestone, and we’re proud to continue building on this progress.”

Imogen Rabone, Project Co-ordinator and Founder of Trees on the Land added: “This partnership continues to make a real difference at community level, helping to establish tree cover that delivers lasting environmental benefits while also enhancing local spaces. From improving biodiversity and air quality to creating natural learning environments and habitats, the impact of these 25,000 trees will be felt for generations to come.

“It is through committed, community-focused partners like SuperValu and Centra that projects like this can continue to grow and thrive.”

The initiative forms part of SuperValu and Centra’s wider sustainability commitments, including their target to plant 50,000 native trees by 2032, supporting both environmental goals and stronger, more resilient local communities.

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The collaboration will allow customers located near participating Scoot retailers to add Scratchcards to their baskets and receive them as part of a rapid home delivery, making it easier than ever to enjoy their favourite Scratchcard games without leaving home.

This latest initiative is part of Allwyn’s ongoing ambition to make National Lottery games more accessible while supporting retail partners with new revenue opportunities. Through this integration, customers across the UK will be able to order Scratchcards, alongside everyday purchases for delivery in as little as 30 minutes.

The partnership also provides Scoot retailers with an opportunity to generate additional revenue through rapid delivery, enhancing their overall customer proposition. Retailers will be supported with clear guidance on how to sign up and operate the service, including safe delivery processes for age-restricted products.

Participating stores will also be required to complete relevant training modules through the National Lottery Retailer Training Centre to ensure compliance with responsible play standards.

Alison Acquaye-Acford, Retail Revenue & Customer Director at Allwyn said: “Shopping habits are changing fast, and convenience is now a key consideration for our players.

“Our collaboration with Scoot is a real win for players who can now have their favourite scratchcard games delivered right to their door.

“Retailers are a cornerstone of The National Lottery, and by partnering with Scoot we are unlocking additional revenue streams for Scoot retailers. Ultimately, this helps us reach more people and continue raising millions every week for National Lottery-funded projects.”

Damian Sanderson, Booker’s Head of Home Delivery added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Allwyn to bring National Lottery Scratchcards to the Scoot platform.

“This is a significant step forward for Scoot and for our retailers, giving customers even more convenience while helping independent stores unlock additional sales opportunities through rapid delivery.

“At Booker, we’re focused on helping retailers evolve alongside changing shopper habits, and this partnership reflects the growing demand for fast, flexible access to everyday essentials and services. We’re proud to be working with Allwyn on such an exciting launch and look forward to seeing the partnership grow.”

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The listing expands the company’s footprint in the fresh produce aisle and strengthens its position as a leading supplier of high‑quality, convenience‑led potato products.

The potato and crisp producer have invested £180,000 in the development of the ‘Perfect for….’ range, the result of a three‑year R&D programme that included extensive field trials across 20 potato varieties to identify those best suited to Northern Ireland’s unique growing conditions. The investment also includes a new automated packaging line at the company’s facility to accommodate increased volume and future growth.

“Bringing our ‘Perfect for…’ range into Tesco stores marks a transformational moment for our business,” said Michael McKillop, MD of Glens of Antrim Group.

“It reflects the scale of the work undertaken over the past three years and the trust Tesco has placed in our team, our growers and our product. This partnership ensures more shoppers can access locally grown potatoes that take the guesswork out of cooking, while strengthening the category and championing Northern Ireland produce.”

Nigel Doherty, Produce Buying Manager at Tesco NI added: “Glens of Antrim’s ‘Perfect for…’ range brings real clarity to the fresh produce aisle, giving shoppers confidence that they’re choosing the right potato for the right dish. Its strong local provenance and consistent quality that adds genuine value to the category while supporting Northern Ireland growers and supply chains.”

Developed to help shoppers choose the right potato for the right dish, the range uses Lady Terra, King Edward and Kimi potatoes, selected for their reliable texture, flavour and cooking performance.

Local chef and Glens of Antrim ambassador Stephen Ferris, now leading the kitchen at Margot Belfast has helped created a suite of exclusive online content available via the on‑pack QR code giving Tesco shoppers direct access to his tips, techniques and dish recommendations.

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