SHOPPERS in the north were driven under cover in February as storms Dennis and Ciara impacted the already fragile high streets.
Figures from retail monitor Springboard revealed that high streets and retail parks both endured double digit percentage footfall declines last month.
But by contract, numbers visiting shopping centres were broadly flat, slipping by just 0.3 per cent.
And as the coronavirus impacts looms, Springboard says it fears March shopper numbers may plunge further.
Shopping centres remain at the cusp of achieving some stability in terms of their attraction to shoppers, with a consistent improvement each month and the smallest drop in footfall since last June.
“If further proof of the fragility of Northern Ireland’s high streets were needed, it was provided in February when the impact of the severe and ongoing rain led to a drop in footfall of 12.4 per cent," said Springboard's marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle.
“Whilst the 13 days of rain in Northern Ireland over the month led to shoppers staying away from high streets, shopping centres still appealed to many by virtue of either their covered environment or ease of access and proximity of parking, which in retail parks is free of charge.
“The disparity of 12.1 per cent between the monthly result for Northern Ireland’s high streets and its shopping centres clearly demonstrates the exposure to extreme conditions that high streets have to contend with.
“But in contrast, whilst shopping centres have had trading challenges, they are more sheltered from many of the vagaries that derail high streets due to enclosed malls and on-site covered parking."
Coronavirus did not have a noticeable impact on footfall in February, but the month ended before the warning of its increased severity was made.
“Moving forward, it is likely that shopper activity will be stemmed as consumers become more wary about interacting in public spaces," Springboard cautioned.
