June footfall bounces back as the 'will-o-the-wisp' conditions continue, says Synovate
8 July 2009
UNITED KINGDOM — The Synovate Retail Traffic Index (RTI) figures for June reveal that UK shopper numbers fell just marginally (by 0.1%) against June last year and that shops in June were 3.7% busier than in May. Looking at the longer term picture, the index value for Quarter Two 2009 stood only 0.3% down on the same quarter of 2008, a far stronger comparator than in either Quarter 1 (-2.6%) or Quarter 4 2008 (-3.3%).
Synovate retail psychologist Dr Tim Denison explains, "We continue to watch these monthly 'will-o'-the-wisp' conditions unfold. There seems almost no rhyme nor reason for the swings in retail statistics; the state of demand is both fluky and fragile. After a dreadfully quiet May, June was considerably better; the number of non-food shopping trips was almost on a par with last year, making it the second best month of the year so far.
"The progressive strengthening of the quarterly figures also makes good reading for those looking for genuine indications of recovery, but this is more a reflection of easing conditions than a sign of true strength. Retail footfall is improved over the earlier part of the year, but the trend remains unstable and vulnerable. Whilst the downturn seems to have flattened off, we are now stuck sub-par, bouncing along the bottom of the downturn, awaiting first sign indications on which letter of the alphabet will prevail – the deep V, 'double dipper' W or the longer term U recession. As yet there is no sight of any significant feel-good catalyst. Until then, and without the return of sustained job security and personal income growth, you can't blame consumers for being more pre-disposed to save rather than to spend.
"On a positive note, our data serves to confirm that things are not getting any worse in retailing. The promise of good weather, the weakness of sterling and cheaper petrol prices have bolstered holiday-making in Britain this summer by an estimated 20-30%, which spells good news for UK retailers. Our footfall figures for June reflect this. Certainly the last three weeks of good weather have bolstered the number of shopping trips being made. But one has a sense that the current factors that are shaping the monthly figures are playing at the fringes rather than taking lead roles. They alone will not unlock the subdued state of shopping. Half way through 2009, on an improving wicket, we can only wonder if the twists and turns ahead will be as difficult to read and to play. I suspect they will be."
Enquiries for interviews with Dr. Tim Denison should be directed to Theo Chalmers at Verve PR on 01908 275271 (weekdays) or 07932 004632.
Contact(s) for this press release
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Chris Scoot
Synovate Retail Performance |
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34 Walker Avenue |
Tel. +44 1908 682 700 |
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Theo Chalmers
Managing Director, Verve Public Relations |
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Park House, 8 Grove Ash |
Tel. +44 1908 275 271 |
Synovate Retail Performance provides footfall monitoring solutions, shopper tracking systems and in-store behavioural research to retailers worldwide. Its core products – Shopper Count, Shopper Interact and Shopper Engage – scientifically measure all aspects of a shopper experience from store entry to exit. Originally founded as Solution Products Systems Ltd (SPSL) in the UK in 1998, it was acquired by Synovate in December 2007 and now offers unrivalled global reach and scalability through Synovate's network of in-country teams and three specialist hubs based in Europe, North America and the Far East.
It supplies national and international retailers with essential business metrics to drive accountability and performance improvement. Synovate Retail Performance harnesses powerful retail and shopper intelligence and creates real deployable insight, to deliver its mantra of "Measure, Manage, Improve" to clients.
Synovate Retail Performance is home to the Retail Traffic Index series, which for over 10 years has been the industry's leading tracker of national, regional and sector retail footfall trends. It is also co-founder of the KPMG / Synovate Retail Think Tank, offering thought leadership on the state of retail health and the future of retailing. Synovate Retail Performance is part of Synovate Customer Experience, Synovate's global business practice specialising in the profitable management of the total sum of all customer interactions.
For more information on Synovate Retail Performance click here.
About Synovate
Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,400 staff across 62 countries.
For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.