‘Beast from the East’ takes its toll on high-street activity
HEAVY SNOWFALL brought by “the Beast from the East” destroyed any hopes of an improvement in high-street activity in March, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium.
Year on year, footfall in March decreased by 6.0 per cent, which is a substantial decline compared with the positive rate of 1.3 per cent recorded in March 2017. It was also the steepest year-onyear fall since the end of 2010.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “While the prolonged period of bad weather has had an impact on shoppers visiting the high street, we are seeing a longer-term trend of reduced footfall which highlights that shoppers face more choice in terms of how, where and when they shop.
“The retail environment is changing and retailers are investing in innovation and technology adaptations in response to this. Policy-makers must also play their part with a vision for a modern business taxation system which reflects this new environment.”
Diane Wehrle, Springboard marketing and insights director, added: “The severe weather put paid to any glimmer of hope for an uplift in shopper activity in March.
“Hitting the week following the payday weekend was the worst timing possible, as it meant that shoppers who had available budget deferred trips. A proportion of this was made up over Easter, with footfall in shopping centres and retail parks rising from last Easter, but this was more than offset by the impact of the heavy rain on high streets.”