Consumers continue to spend less on High Street in March

Recently released figures have shown that during the month of March shoppers in the UK continued to spend less on the High Street, adding to the woes of many retailers. Consumers, many of whom are struggling with their finances in the current difficult climate, and many others who are worried about losing their jobs due to the recession, have been spending less on the High Street for some time.

The data comes from the Experian Footfall UK National Index, which claims that the number of shoppers across the UK fell by an average 1.7 percent for the month of March. The worst hit areas were the South West and Wales, according to the report, where shopper numbers fell by 7.13 percent.

On a brighter note a rise in shopper numbers was recorded in some areas, and these were the North East, South East and East Midlands. The report said that the earlier Easter last year may have affected the figures, but that also Mother’s Day spending for this year was down compared to last year.

One economist from Experian said: “Our FootFall data and latest ONS sales figures confirm what we have long suspected – that consumers are cutting back on their spending and the growth in sales during January was mainly the result of heavy discounting.”