Report finds footfall decline in Q1

Footfall levels in the first quarter of 2011 decreased 1.1% when compared with the same period in 2010, a report released today has found.

The Experian National Footfall Index showed that year-on-year, average footfall in the Republic of Ireland has decreased approximately 1.4% over the past four quarters.

Meanwhile, footfall figures for the North show a decrease of 2.1% in the first quarter of 2011 compared with 2010.

Taking the previous four quarters into account, the average year-on-year decline is almost 4%. The North experienced a significant decrease of 7.2% in the final quarter of 2010 compared with the yearly decline of 1.1% experienced by retailers south of the border.

Mark Anderson, head of sales at Experian Ireland, explained: "There is no doubt that retailers are continuing to experience very tough trading conditions, however an average decrease in footfall of 1.4% over the past four quarters is manageable, particularly when compared with the significant decreases experienced by Irish retailers throughout 2008/2009 and currently by our counterparts in Northern Ireland.”

“Despite the treacherous weather conditions experienced at the start of the year, the footfall figure for Ireland during January 2011 is actually up 1.3% compared with 2010.

“It would appear that shoppers were willing to brave the sub zero temperatures and dangerous driving conditions to snap up bargains in the January sales.

“In February we witnessed the introduction of the Universal Social Charge, which is anticipated to have a further impact on consumers discretionary spending.

“Although the footfall declined by 1.4% and 2.2% in February and March respectively, it is likely too early yet to gauge if the USC will in reality impact on the number of shoppers out and about.”