Department stores are continuing their boom at the expense of their smaller, high street rivals, according to new data.
Figures released by retail analyst FootFall show that the nation’s department store sector is continuing to draw greater numbers of shoppers through their doors thanks to strong promotions and levels of stock.
Over the week from 17 to 23 April, department store shop visits surged by 20% over the same period a year ago, despite the warming weather and public holidays, which typically distract shoppers from the high streets.
Smaller, independent shops, however, saw footfall decrease by a disappointing 2.7% over the same week last year and nearly 5% off the week prior.
After failing to capitalise on the four-day Easter holiday, smaller retailers will now be crossing their fingers as they wait for this weekend’s bank holiday.
“Unfortunately, after a disappointing Easter turnout, the overall picture continues to look bleak for retailers,” said Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall.
“While the week-on-week drop is normal for this stage in the year, with the next peak due across the May bank holiday weekend, the continued poor performance against last year will be particularly discouraging.”
Shops in Central London, meanwhile, have fared better than their counterparts across the UK. According to the New West End Company, retail sales in the capital’s city center were 5.5% higher last month than they were in March 2005.
This figure was likely bosted by an increase in both foreign and UK visitors to the capital, driving up shop visits by 5%.
London shops outperformed the UK in sales for the fifth straight month, the New West End Company said, suggesting the capital has recovered from last year’s terrorist attacks.
