Footfall up as coldest August in 18 years leads more people into shops
However, the results indicate that shopping numbers are still relatively flat on last year, resulting in sustained pressure for retailers.
Footfall increased 0.1% in July, August and September compared with the same period last year.
The head of sales at Experian Ireland, Mark Anderson, said: “The growth in footfall numbers that began to emerge in quarter two of this year has continued in quarter three.
“However, the increases while positive are low, up 0.2% in quarter two and 0.1% in quarter three.
“The increase in footfall in quarter three was undoubtedly helped by the coldest August since 1993 with footfall increasing by 2.2% in August 2011, as people headed to shopping centres to escape the poor summer weather.”
Mr Anderson said that despite the positive trend in footfall, retailers are still experiencing sustained pressure as it fails to translate into sales.
Recent figures from the CSO show a 3.6% fall in sales for August 2011 year on year.
Mr Anderson said that the lack of confidence in the Republic is not reflected in the North as footfall figures for Northern Ireland show an increase of 1.7% in the third quarter of 2011 compared with 2010.
“The Northern Irish footfall figures, which have been extremely volatile over the past 18 months, now also, seem to be stabilising,” he said.
Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland welcomed the Government announcement to update the regulation of consumer law.
Chief executive David Fitzsimons said: “The minister’s pledge to overhaul the laws and regulations relating to consumer protection is a positive development.
“Anything that enhances the customer’s retail experience is a welcome development.”
He added that the initiative that will hopefully have a positive impact on consumer confidence, which is essential to the economic recovery and large-scale job creation.
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