Easter disappoints as footfall slumps year on year

Data research firm Springboard recorded an 11% fall in shoppers visiting the high street on Easter Sunday and more than an 8% decrease on Good Friday.

The sharpest decline was across shopping centres where footfall slumped 11.3% on Good Friday and 10.4% on Sunday, as warmer weather meant shoppers avoided shopping in malls.

The disappointing figures come despite the much better weather when last year was the coldest Easter on record.

Springboard marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle said the falls showed Britons were still “very nervous” about spending.

“Easter weekend is the next big trading opportunity for retailers after Christmas and a huge opportunity, but even good weather was not enough to encourage people to go out and spend,” she said.

However, Bank Holiday Monday (April 21) posted better results with high street visits up 10.2% and footfall at retail parks up nearly 23% year on year.

Despite the general fall in shopping numbers across the UK, London’s West End enjoyed a better Easter weekend as footfall for the month rose 2.4% on March last year and outperforming the UK average.

Richard Dickinson, chief executive of New West End Company, which represents West End retailers, said:“Our strong sales and footfall performance in March is proof that our retailers have been working hard to attract shoppers to the West End, with promotions and special activities up and down the district.”

Footfall on Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street had jumped 4% on last March against a national average of 1.8%.