Retail body ‘hopeful’ for a better footfall in May

The British Independent Retailers Association has said it is “hopeful” for a better May with extra bank holidays and the Coronation creating more footfall on the high street.

Despite retail sales volumes in the UK falling by 0.9 per cent between February and March, Bira has said they are hoping more people shop on their high streets this month.

In April, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that department and clothing stores particularly suffered in this time frame due to poor weather, while food shops also saw a drop of 0.7 per cent following shortages of some products.

But Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre has said with the run of three bank holidays in May, coupled with the Coronation and it being closer to summer, this may have an effect on consumer spend.

But he also urged shops to make the most of the Coronation and give extra effort with their storefronts, marketing and social media posts.

He said: “I think sectors including leisure, food and hospitality will see a boost over the coming weeks. Generally, bank holidays are not great for the town centres as they tend to be quiet, and parties take customers elsewhere.

“However, this month may be different as I think national events raise morale and put a smile on people’s faces and make them want to go out into our towns and cities. Bank holiday Monday’s may also make up for a quieter shopping Saturday, so we are hopeful for our independents this month that they will see better sales,” he said. 

“We think that people want to see the colour and celebration that comes with the Coronation and bank holidays so it is really important that shops see the value in adding this to their store front and marketing. Events like the Coronation are always a chance for retailers to focus on British products and the quality.

“While bank holidays are not always great for larger town centres, events like this do offer people an escape from the current pressures facing consumers. Great weather would be ideal and hopefully it will prove to be a catalyst to people feeling more confident about spending money,” he added.