Shopper numbers across Northern Ireland continue to be in decline and the bad news is hitting the high street, retail parks and shopping centres alike.
Figures released by Springboard between November 26 and December 30 last year footfall declined by 3.1% showing a seven month streak of continuous decline. The month before had reduced by 2.4%. In the same period the UK as a whole reported a drop of 3.5%.
Aodhán Connolly, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium revealed the decline in shopper footfall across the UK was happening at its fastest pace “in almost five years”.
He explained that it reflected “profound structural challenges facing the retail industry as shopping habits continue to evolve”
Although the trend is UK wide Northern Ireland has not fared as poorly as other areas in the UK.
Aodhán added: “These figures are indicative of how challenging and uncertain 2017 has been for both the retail industry and for consumers. Political instability, the enormity of Brexit unfolding, disposable incomes being squeezed, and ongoing profound changes in the way people shop have all added to the uncertainty.
“If this past year has taught us anything it’s that change and uncertainty may be the only certainty for 2018. We know too that retailers are resilient and adaptable. The restoration of devolved government at Stormont would provide a welcome confidence boost, allowing the concerns of Northern Ireland business and consumers to be championed by a working Assembly and Executive.”
Meanwhile Diane Wehrle, Marketing and Insights Director at Springboard said the figures showed a “significant weakening in performance from December 2016 when footfall in retail destinations rose by +4.6% but reflects the long recorded volatility in its footfall”.
She added: “Moving forward into 2018, it is apparent that retailers need to focus on maximising conversion via the core deliverable of best product and customer service with an improved in-store experience, whilst holding their nerve and resisting discounting too early and so protecting margin.”