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.”

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Although the figures were disappointing, Northern Ireland fared better when compared to other regions, turning in the best performance of the 12 areas surveyed monthly by NIRC-Sensormatic.

Over the four weeks from 1^st to 28^th February the number of shoppers out and about was down 2.3% compared to February 2025, while across the UK as a whole the decline was 4.7%.

Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 0.6% in February (year-on-year), down from 4.9% in January while across the month, footfall in Belfast decreased by 2.8% (year-on-year), down from 1.4% in January.

As Director of Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston explained, Northern Ireland footfall continues to be better than the rest of the UK.

“On this occasion it performed ‘less badly’,” said Neil. “Our economic growth figures and unemployment figures are also slightly more positive, despite this it is probably fair to say that shoppers continue to be cautious.”

Neil added that given the wet weather we have experienced so far this year, it was no surprise that shopping centres were only down by 0.6%, saying that shoppers “gravitated towards shelter”.

“Retailers across the UK are continuing to struggle with rising costs, and consumers are also continuing to face a squeeze of household incomes,” said Neil.

“NIRC continues to make the case that Stormont needs to plan to reduce rates for retail, hospitality and leisure, as is planned for other parts of the UK. This would boost our high streets and retail hubs and help keep prices down for consumers.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said February proved a challenging month for retail across Northern Ireland, adding it was reflective of a month shaped by difficult trading conditions and subdued shopper activity.

“Exceptionally wet weather – a theme across the UK – dampened high street visits and encouraged more consumers to turn to online channels,” said Andy.

“At the same time, the broader economic backdrop continued to weigh on household budgets, with food price inflation and rising unemployment influencing both trip frequency and spending confidence.

“Still, there are reasons to look forward. With Mother’s Day on the horizon and the prospect of brighter, more inviting spring weather ahead, retailers will be hoping for a lift in shopper sentiment – and in footfall – as consumers re-engage and return to stores.”

The post Consumers continue to be cautious causing February footfall to falter first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Footfall in Belfast increased by 1.4% in January (year-on-year), up from –2.8% in December, while shopping centre footfall increased by 4.9% last month (year-on-year), up from -1.9% the previous month.

The latest statistics from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and Sensormatic cover the four weeks from 4^th to 31^st January 2026. Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said it had been a positive start to the year despite the stormy weather.

“Northern Ireland performed strongly in terms of footfall compared to other regions and turned in the second best performance of the 12 areas surveyed,” said Neil.

“The number of shoppers out and about was up by 3.8% compared to last January when shoppers were in short supply as Northern Ireland was hit hard by Strom Eowyn. This January has also seen pretty stormy weather too, but thankfully it was nowhere near as disruptive as last year.”

Neil Johnston added the improvement was seen across all destinations, with the wet weather possibly playing a part in driving people indoors to shopping centres.

“Across the UK, actual retail sales increased by 2.7% year-on-year in January, a welcome start to the year, but retailers are facing challenges in increasing energy costs and packaging taxes,” added Neil.

“In GB, the recently passed Employment Rights Act will also add costs. Stormont is set to introduce its own Employment Rights Bill and it’s crucial the Executive works closely with retailers to get the implementation right to raise standards without harming entry-level and flexible jobs and unduly adding to the cost burden on good employers.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said that January had shown a welcome uplift.

“As retailers continue to focus on value, experience and convenience, Northern Ireland’s early year uplift provides a solid platform, and after a challenging December, some may feel this is the month when footfall finally found firmer ground,” he said.

The post Footfall picture positive for NI but clouded by stormy weather first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

According to new data, footfall in Belfast decreased by 2.8% (year-on-year), down from +1.1% in November, while shopping centre footfall also decreased, by 1.9% last month, down from +4.1% in November.

The latest statistics from Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and Sensormatic’s footfall monitor, shows that footfall across the region decreased by 1.7% in December, down from +2.7% the previous month, with the overall total NI footfall for 2025 down 0.5% compared to 2024.

Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said the numbers of shoppers who were out and about prior to Christmas were disappointing.

“Trading continues to be tough. Consumers may be holding back given the economic uncertainty and hopefully they will be out in force in the sales throughout January,” he said.

“Across the UK as a whole, footfall was down by 2.9% this December compared to last. In Northern Ireland, the figure was less downbeat and down by 1.7% in December – having edged up 2.7% in November.

“The general decline in shopper footfall witnessed over the past year continues despite the best efforts of retailers and it is essential that those in power in Stormont and in our local councils consider what they can do to help retailers inject more vibrancy into our high street and other retail hubs.”

Meanwhile, Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions noted December marked the ninth negative month in the last year for Northern Ireland.

“Shopper traffic was down -1.7% year-on-year, bringing the golden quarter to a modest -0.5%, although this was better than the wide UK at -2.2%,” he said.

“Retail hasn’t necessarily got harder; it’s just become less forgiving – from shifting consumer demand to rising cost-bases across labour and business rate reform. This means retailers must break the cycle where cost-cutting impedes investment in the capabilities and services needed for sustainable growth.

“Yet, despite the challenges, there are still pockets of demand to be tapped. Shopper traffic rallied outside traditional peak days, showing festive buying patterns are changing – and those who adapt quickly will be best placed to capture these new opportunities.”

The post December proves disappointing as consumers hold out for sales first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Footfall across NI increased by 2.7% in November, up from -0.2% in October, while footfall in Belfast increased by 1.1% in the same period, up from -0.7% the previous month.

Meanwhile, shopping centre footfall increased by 4.1% in November, up from +0.4% in October. The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium-Sensormatic data are encouraging for retailers, with the recent rebound in footfall figures a welcome reprieve.

“Shoppers were out and about in November visiting Northern Ireland’s retail destinations – looking to grab bargains and spreading out the cost ahead of Christmas,” said Director of the NIRC, Neil Johnston.

“The so-called Golden Quarter is crucial for retailers and these are positive figures. Retailers will be hoping that the recent investments in stores in Belfast city centre and in a number of other key retail hubs will continue to attract shoppers as we head towards Christmas Day.

“The figures for November and a number of other recent months have shown Northern Ireland often doing better than the rest of the UK. This reflects the fact that the NI economy has weathered the recent economic challenges better than the rest of the country – our unemployment figures and economic growth figures are better.”

Mr Johnston added that it remains a challenging environment and the UK Budget will do very little to help.

“Indeed, retailers face the prospect of a widening chasm with GB with regard to the business rates they pay,” he said.

“England and Wales will be bringing in rate cuts next year – the Northern Ireland Executive and our local councils need to follow suit.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said the November rise in NI footfall bucked the UK trend of decline.

“November may have been dominated by caution across the UK, but Northern Ireland offers glimmers of hope,” he said.

“The golden quarter isn’t over yet, and with four of our predicted Top Five shopping days still to come, the festive season could deliver an even stronger finish.

“A last-minute rush may top off the year, turning resilience into celebration. With the right balance of value, convenience and experience, there’s still time to make December count.”

The post November footfall figures boost retailers’ festive hopes first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.