British shoppers stay away from end of year sales

LONDON - A surge in bargain-hunters in the run-up to Christmas was not sustained in the final days of the year, according to the latest survey of UK shopper numbers by business information group Footfall.

The group said there was a 12.4 per cent decline in shopper numbers at retail centres during the period between Christmas and New Year, compared with a year ago.

The fall came after sales rose 8 per cent year-on-year on December 26 and December 27, Footfall said.

"Despite the fantastically busy first two shopping days after Christmas, normality seems to have returned, with shopper numbers falling a disappointing 12.4 per cent below 2004 for Monday to Friday combined," said Footfall marketing manager Natasha Burton.

"Numbers fell as the week progressed, people returned to work and had had their fill of bargain hunting. With the majority of Christmas trading figures yet to be released, we will have to wait to see if the early sales boost helped retailer fortunes on the high street."

- REUTERS