Retail footfall to rise over Easter
Retail footfall is predicted to increase by 4.7 per cent over the long Easter weekend compared to last year, according to new analysis.
Retail specialists Springboard predict that with Easter falling two weeks closer to pay day than in 2014, retailers will benefit from higher consumer spending over the three shopping days of Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Monday 6 April.
Meanwhile, consumer confidence is up due to lower inflation, low fuel prices, and modest pay rises across the UK.
Springboard said the difference could leave households some £20 to £30 per month better off.
High streets are forecast to fare best over Easter with Springboard predicting a six per cent year-on-year rise, with shopping centres expected to see footfall growing by 4.6 per cent.
Meanwhile, retail parks are expected to see modest growth of 1.6 per cent on last year.
Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, said: “Earlier dates for the long weekend traditionally link to positive effects for retailers and with consumer confidence high, we expect shoppers to respond with their feet buoyed by the benefit of a recent pay day.”
Good Friday is set to be the strongest day for footfall with 5.7 per cent, Saturday will see figures up 3.9 per cent, while 4.6 per cent growth is expected on Easter Monday.
