But numbers down year-on-year
April shopper numbers were up, but the figures hide an underlying decline, according to retail data company FootFall.
Month-on-month numbers were up 1.5 per cent compared with March, but year-on-year figures show a decrease of 2.8 per cent on April last year. The rate of decline has slowed from -4.2 per cent in March to -2.8 per cent in April.
FootFall spokeswoman Natasha Burton said: 'Consumer confidence continues to be undermined by worries about personal finance. Increased spending on non-discretionary items, such as petrol and utility bills, has further subdued the demand for retail goods, particularly consumer durables. We would expect to see an upturn in retail demand with the approach of the World Cup as high-profile sporting events traditionally see an increase in demand for big ticket items such as plasma TVs or home entertainment systems.'
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