Business

Struggling local high streets fuel third successive monthly footfall slump

Footfall in the north fell by 5 per cent in July when compared to the previous year
Footfall in the north fell by 5 per cent in July when compared to the previous year Footfall in the north fell by 5 per cent in July when compared to the previous year

THE struggling high streets in the north have driven a 5 per cent overall footfall slump last month, according to the latest industry figures.

High street footfall declined by 5.5 per cent in July compared to the same month a year ago, leaving Northern Ireland firmly rooted at the bottom of the UK nations rankings. Shopping centres also reported a fall in visitors, with the numbers out spending down by 3.7 per cent, compared to a marginal contraction of just 0.2 per cent recorded in June.

The third successive monthly reduction in shopper numbers is partly explained by a 1.4 per cent footfall hike reported in July last year following a continuous period of warm and dry weather.

The latest Springboard figures further reveal a slight reduction in the north's town centre vacancy rate, which fell from 14.9 per cent in April to 14.1 per cent last month. However the level remains the highest in the UK and well above the average (10.3 per cent).

Northern Ireland Retail Consortium director, Aodhán Connolly said the latest figures make "dispiriting reading" for bricks-and-mortar retailers

"The winds of change are blowing through the industry, due to both profound shifts in the way we shop and weakness in consumer demand. That said, retailers are increasingly adept at harnessing the internet and multi-channel innovations to get through to consumers who may not have the time or inclination to travel to physical shops," he said.

“Shopper footfall fell for a third successive month in Northern Ireland, but a glimmer of hope is the fact that the shop vacancy dropped by almost 1 per cent."

“Ultimately the success of retailers in this fast changing world will be down to their own ability to evolve and respond positively to the transition in consumer behaviour. However, retailers must contend with both the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive and the continued uncertainty over our future trading relationship with the EU, making it harder to adapt to the changing environment," Mr Connolly said.

Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director at Springboard said July was a challenging month for high streets and shopping centres.

"Some of the drop in Northern Ireland’s high street footfall was a consequence of a strong comparable of +1.4 per cent last year when we had a continuous period of hot sunny weather, but for shopping centres – with the -3.7 per cent following a drop of -5.5 per cent in July last year - the weather clearly has less impact on footfall than the challenges created by the ongoing structural change in retailing," she added.