Footfall levels drop 5% compared to 2005

Experian company, Footfall have announced that shopper numbers for the month of December were down 5% compared to September 2005 and were down 4.5% on August 2006.

Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall, a leader in the provision of retail business information, comments: "Following a summer of spending, many shoppers are now focused on paying off existing debt rather than choosing to head out on major shopping trips. The continued warm weather has also stifled demand for autumn product lines, including seasonal clothes and accessories”.

"There is added pressure on consumers following increases in the cost of living as household bills have risen, in tandem with higher mortgage costs following the decision to increase the base rate of interest. The next few months will be a trying time for retailers, who will have to deal with consumers being more cautious with their money, as well as having to compete with online purchases which are expected to rise significantly this Christmas."