Higher-spending visitors boost Central London retail sales figures
The London Retail Consortium has reported that retail sales in Central London in February were 7.2% higher than a year earlier, on a like-for-like basis.
In February 2006, sales had risen 9.8% as they continued to recover from July’s London bombings. Retail footfall fell further below year-earlier levels, according to SPSL. Weaker footfall but strong sales is in line with reports of people making fewer shopping trips but spending more on each trip. Visitor numbers remained higher than a year ago, with Western Europeans the main overseas shoppers, and those from the United States picking up.
Clothing and footwear enjoyed a good start to new Spring ranges, but winter stock suffered in the mild weather. Accessories and beauty products remained popular. Homewares slowed after clearance sales ended, although large electricals and modern furniture and accessories did well for some.
