21
DATA
footfall index

The Experian Footfall Index shows a decline of 2.8 per cent
in December compared with the same period in 2008.
Inevitably, the worst performing regions were those
most affected by the snow. The North East was hit the
hardest with a 10.78 per cent drop, followed by Scotland
with a year-on-year decline of 9.15 per cent and the East
Midlands with a fall of 8.23 per cent.
Anita Manan, senior analyst for Experian Footfall
comments: “The days of a traditional slow and steady pace
of growth in shopper numbers to the high street have been
replaced with wise, shrewd and confident consumers, who
buy at the best prices online before hitting the high streets
at a time when retailers start their promotional activity.
However, this year consumers who played the waiting
game and held back until the last few days to Christmas
may have been disappointed or frustrated that the weather
somewhat jeopardised their strategy.
“As the final week of Christmas commenced, shoppers
who were unable to travel in the treacherous conditions
were left no choice but to postpone shopping or go online
and hope that the delivery would not be disrupted by the
weather.”
Jonathan de Mello, director of retail and property for
Experian, adds: “December was a mixed picture for retailers,
with some, such as John Lewis and Next, performing very
well, and others such as D2 and La Senza clearly struggling.
With footfall as a whole down overall for December
however, when set against a poor Christmas 2008, it is
clear that December was disappointing for the majority of
retailers.
“Retailers are significantly more resilient than this time
last year, however, and had planned for an anticipated poor
Christmas by cutting down on excess stock, squeezing
their suppliers and reducing store overheads and staff
costs.”
uk outletS report Strong chriStmaS SaleS
Land Securities has reported that year in the fourth quarter. Designer Outlet near Chester experiencing
its two British outlet malls - The Galleria Deepan Khiroya, retail portfolio director an increase of more than 20 per cent
in Hatfield and Gunwharf Quays in for Land Securities, said: “It’s clear that Henrik Madsen, McArthurGlen’s managing
Portsmouth - both saw a seven per cent there remains a strong demand for the director for the UK and Northern Europe,
increase in sales during the Christmas discounted high end goods the outlet comments: “We have seen the number
trading period. sector provides. I’m confident the sector of sales transactions rise by 10 per cent
Outlet malls traditionally perform will remain buoyant in 2010.” compared with the same period last year,
less well during sales on the high street. Meanwhile, McArthurGlen recorded a proving that McArthurGlen was very much
However, despite the flood of pre- 20 per cent increase in sales of designer a number one destination for Christmas
Christmas promotions in mainstream brands, with shoppers turning to outlets shoppers in 2009, whether it was for
retail destinations, both of Land Securities’ to buy their Christmas gifts. Over the buying gifts, party outfits or making their
outlets have fared well. festive period, sales at McArthurGlen’s money go further.
Gunwharf Quays also saw a 4.4 per seven centres were up by four per cent “As we enter 2010, we are in a position
cent increase in footfall over Christmas on last year and footfall rose by 1.5 per of strength as we seek new opportunities,
compared with the rest of 2009, with many cent, despite being the coldest winter in new brand partnerships, and no doubt
retailers reporting record sales. The Galleria decades. attract even more customers with our
saw spend per head up seven per cent and Many centres also reported record permanent discounts on high street and
leisure sales up over eight per cent year on Boxing Day sales, with Cheshire Oaks designer brands.”
www.shopping-centre.co.uk January 2010 SHOPPING CENTRE
20-21-SCJan10-Data.indd 21 14/1/10 18:58:34
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