Shoppers hit the high street despite credit crunch

It looks like shoppers were intent on splashing the cash on the high street in September despite the economic gloom, if the latest Retail Footfall Index is anything to go by from Experian.

But the small year-on-year increase of 0.5% masks trouble for out of town superstores.

Year-on-year figures for out-of-town shopping fell by 3.1% in September, suggesting larger purchase items are becoming less appealing and the price of fuel is helping to persuade people to shop more locally.

Despite what could be one last impulse buying spree by the Great British public, Experian predicts the next 12 months will prove to be a very rough ride for most retailers.

Although the Footfall Index suggests people are spending less time visiting out of town DIY stores, Hitwise data shows online retailers may be taking up the slack.

Property websites have seen a steep falls in visitors lately, but home and gardens sites have seen traffic increase by over 20% in the last 12 months.

[image with thanks to ralphbijker @ flickr]

credit crunch | footfall | retail sales |