Retail traffic edges higher but pace of growth slows - BRC

(Sharecast News) - Retail footfall nudged higher in February, industry research published on Friday showed, although at a far slower rate than seen in January. According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic monitor, footfall increased by 0.2% year-on-year.

The second consecutive monthly increase, it was, however, well below January's 6.6% jump.

Retail parks reported a 2% rise, well ahead of high streets and shopping centres, which both posted a more modest 0.1% uptick in footfall.

Andy Sumpter, EMEA retail consultant at Sensormatic, said: "After January's jump-start, retail footfall stalled, with retailers seeing only the slimmest improvements.

"While the good news is that shopper counts remained steady, many would have been hoping for a more substantial leap, building on a strong start to the year.

"With Easter falling late and well into April this year, this will undoubtedly put added pressure on retailers as we head into March."

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Footfall increased for the second consecutive month, with retail parks continuing to outperform other retail destinations.

"The variety of larger retail outlets and the option of free parking enticed customers to visit parks over their local high street or shopping centre.

"Strong investment in retail parks, and fewer empty stores, has led to consistent positive shopper traffic over the past year."