Shoppers back in droves 12 months after 7/7

Consumer confidence has returned 12 months after the 7/7 Central London terror attacks, according to figures released by Experian company FootFall.

The figures showed there was a fourth consecutive week-on-week increase in shopper numbers, with the Retail FootFall Index outperforming 2005 levels for the first time since April.

The picture was boosted by England’s exit from the World Cup on 1st July, which proved to be good news for retailers and department stores in particular.

According to FootFall, shopper numbers increased by 10.5% after England’s penalty exit compared to the previous week, with heartbroken consumers shunning televised football for a return to the high street.

Nationally, retailers saw a year-on-year increase of 2.0% between 3 July and 9 July 2006.

Spokesperson for FootFall Natasha Burton, said: “The attacks in Central London a year ago had a major impact on the retail sector, as people avoided public places and the high street. Retailers will now be focusing their attention on capturing consumer demand for seasonal products such as sun cream, beachwear and luggage as consumers begin to warm up for their holidays.”

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006