Pre Christmas sales down on last year

Latest UK retail footfall figures show that shoppers were

out in force one week ahead of Christmas Day in the search for pre-Christmas sales.

Compiled by Ipsos Retail Performance, figures, however, are heavily down on the same period as last year.

Commenting on this week’s figures, Peter Luff, president of Ipsos Retail Performance, said: "Following two weeks in December which were slightly stronger than predicted, retail traffic in the third week was slightly lower than our expectations putting the month to date almost exactly where we thought it would be. Interestingly, London and the South East is the only region that has been below the predicted level for all of December.

"Whether or not shoppers will continue to be out in force in the final weekend before Christmas in this region - or indeed any other region of the UK - remains to be seen. It’s an interesting scenario and somewhat of a standoff between shoppers and retailers. It could be that consumers are simply holding out for even greater discounts and bargains, or they may be holding onto their money with a view to spending immediately after Christmas or in New Year.

"For logistical reasons, the nearer we get to Christmas, the less likely it is that consumers will be buying goods online if presents they are buying are needed ahead of the big day. This is especially true of the husband who has left his shopping until the last minute and will be out buying the one gift for his wife who has worked tirelessly to make Christmas special! "So we may see more people out on the UK’s high streets as they look to make those last minute purchases for a family member or friend. The question is - and one which they will be pondering - is whether there will be goods available as retailers have tended to keep their stock levels lower this year to avoid having excess in their warehouses.

"It’s fascinating stuff and will be interesting to see how the forthcoming week, and in particular this coming weekend, pan out."