Christmas tills start ringing

Week-on-week figures show that shopping figures have risen for the first time since Halloween.

Footfall in the High Street rose by 4.4% compared to the week before while in the Department Store sector experience a massive 15.9% increase week-on-week. Although this increase is welcomed greatly, figures are still well below those for the same period in 2005. Compared to last years figures, department stores where down 5.7% and the national footfall index was faced with its largest year-on-year shortfall with a gap of 9.3%

Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall comments: "Week 46 traditionally marks the beginning of the upward trend towards Christmas. Last week's rush of special offers and '3 for 2' deals from the major retailers has certainly had an effect on shopper volumes and succeeded in tempting shoppers back to the high street. However, a rise of just 4.4% week-on-week will still be disappointing for retailers. Traditionally the upturn in week 46 is considerably steeper, with retailers expecting rises along the lines of the 8.5% increase seen in 2005.

"Special offers are beginning to create a festive buzz on the high street but consumers' pockets have been hit by rising living costs, so many retailers are fearing that non-essential purchases, such as Christmas gifts or seasonal items, are likely to be the first expenses to be cut. However, despite these financial pressures, it has been widely reported that consumers are expected to break all previous spending records this Christmas, with the British Retail Consortium predicting that UK shoppers will spend £12bn this year - compared to £11.4bn during Christmas 2005.

"Instead, we are likely to see a shift in shopping behaviour, with many consumers delaying their spending further towards Christmas. With two pay days yet to arrive before Christmas, we are expecting to see a significant rise in retail footfall towards the end of the festive shopping season, rather than a sustained period of increased activity throughout.

"Consumers are becoming more and more savvy each year, recognising that there are ways to reap the rewards by 'working' the special offers. Shoppers are now more likely to remain patient and wait for discount days or mid-week 'spectactulars' to buy the bulk of their seasonal purchases. And, as Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year, shoppers can put off spending even longer due to the 'additional weekend' of 23 and 24 December.

"Recent reports suggest that Internet trade is performing better than ever, with the IMRG Index showing e-retail hitting all-time highs of £50 million per month growth. However, we feel that often consumers only use the Internet as a research tool to scope out the best offers before heading to the high street to buy, as there's no substitute for seeing and touching products in the flesh, especially big ticket items. While Internet retailers are heading for a bumper Christmas, it is unlikely to hit the high street as hard as many fear.

"Overall, we are expecting to continue to see a decrease in footfall compared to 2005 despite an increase in consumer spending. The frequency of shopper visits to the high street is likely to drop as weekly visits yielding purchases of two or three items make way for two or three 'big shops' at the end of the season following thorough Internet research and saving.".

Retail FootFall Index - UK National:

Change for week 46 (13th November - 19th November 2006): 4.4%

Change for week 46 year-on-year: - 9.3%

Retail FootFall Index - UK Department Stores:

Change for week 46 (13th November - 19th November 2006): 15.9%

Change for week 46 year-on-year: - 5.7%

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			Christmas tills start ringing Week-on-week figures show that shopping figures have risen for the first time since Halloween. Footfall in the High Street rose by 4.4% compared to the week before while in the Department Store sector experience a massive 15.9% increase week-on-week. Although this increase is welcomed greatly, figures are still well below those for the same period in 2005. Compared to last years figures, department stores where down 5.7% and the national footfall index was faced with its largest year-on-year shortfall with a gap of 9.3% Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall comments: "Week 46 traditionally marks the beginning of the upward trend towards Christmas. Last week's rush of special offers and '3 for 2' deals from the major retailers has certainly had an effect on shopper volumes and succeeded in tempting shoppers back to the high street. However, a rise of just 4.4% week-on-week will still be disappointing for retailers. Traditionally the upturn in week 46 is considerably steeper, with retailers expecting rises along the lines of the 8.5% increase seen in 2005. "Special offers are beginning to create a festive buzz on the high street but consumers' pockets have been hit by rising living costs, so many retailers are fearing that non-essential purchases, such as Christmas gifts or seasonal items, are likely to be the first expenses to be cut. However, despite these financial pressures, it has been widely reported that consumers are expected to break all previous spending records this Christmas, with the British Retail Consortium predicting that UK shoppers will spend £12bn this year - compared to £11.4bn during Christmas 2005. "Instead, we are likely to see a shift in shopping behaviour, with many consumers delaying their spending further towards Christmas. With two pay days yet to arrive before Christmas, we are expecting to see a significant rise in retail footfall towards the end of the festive shopping season, rather than a sustained period of increased activity throughout. "Consumers are becoming more and more savvy each year, recognising that there are ways to reap the rewards by 'working' the special offers. Shoppers are now more likely to remain patient and wait for discount days or mid-week 'spectactulars' to buy the bulk of their seasonal purchases. And, as Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year, shoppers can put off spending even longer due to the 'additional weekend' of 23 and 24 December. "Recent reports suggest that Internet trade is performing better than ever, with the IMRG Index showing e-retail hitting all-time highs of £50 million per month growth. However, we feel that often consumers only use the Internet as a research tool to scope out the best offers before heading to the high street to buy, as there's no substitute for seeing and touching products in the flesh, especially big ticket items. While Internet retailers are heading for a bumper Christmas, it is unlikely to hit the high street as hard as many fear. "Overall, we are expecting to continue to see a decrease in footfall compared to 2005 despite an increase in consumer spending. The frequency of shopper visits to the high street is likely to drop as weekly visits yielding purchases of two or three items make way for two or three 'big shops' at the end of the season following thorough Internet research and saving.". Retail FootFall Index - UK National: Change for week 46 (13th November - 19th November 2006): 4.4% Change for week 46 year-on-year: - 9.3% Retail FootFall Index - UK Department Stores: Change for week 46 (13th November - 19th November 2006): 15.9% Change for week 46 year-on-year: - 5.7% ^Top

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