According to the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium in the four weeks from 29 January – 25 February 2023 the NIRC-Sensormatic IQ data found that Northern Ireland footfall increased by 12.7% in February (YoY), 3.6 percentage points better than January. Better than the UK average increase of 10.4% (YoY).
As well as that it found Shopping Centre footfall increased by 16.4% in February (YoY) in Northern Ireland, an improvement on the increase of 9.4% in January.
Meanwhile in February, footfall in Belfast increased by 12.7% (YoY), 2.7 percentage points better than January and compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, Total NI footfall 10.5% lower, NI Shopping Centres by 7.0% and footfall in Belfast by 11.7%.
Neil Johnston, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium spokesman, said: “These figures represent an encouraging month and follow on from a positive start to the year in January. The Northern Ireland footfall figures are ahead of the UK average and Belfast is well up the rankings of UK cities.
“Given a background of challenging times for consumers an increase of nearly 13% compared to last year is quite substantial. All of this occurred against a backdrop of bad news on mortgages, energy prices and prices in general. Moreover, we had continued political dead lock and a number of public sector strikes.
“Increased domestic rates bills are due to land in April, inflation continues to be high and there is no sign of agreement on public sector pay – all of which presents a gloomy picture going forward. However, the Windsor Framework will definitely assist retailers in their efforts to continue to provide choice and value to consumers and the Secretary of State’s decision to freeze regional business rates for the coming year is also very welcome.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said: “Facing multidirectional headwinds – from the long shadow cast by covid to the ongoing consumer caution caused by the rising cost-of-living – we are, at least, starting to see footfall normalising.
“While the fluctuations in footfall are now less volatile, creating a new baseline against which to benchmark High Street performance, it doesn’t mean the footfall recovery has yet fully turned a corner. Retailers are still grappling with underlying uncertainty as they try to keep pace in the context of these multifaceted challenges. Looking ahead, delivering value – whether that’s through ranging or by giving shoppers compelling reasons to visit stores – will remain central to turning the tide on footfall performance.”
MONTHLY TOTAL NORTHERN IRELAND RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YoY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YoY)
NORTHERN IRELAND RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE ON 2019)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY
