New West End Company

April 14 2009

Summer fashions and food goods flew off the shelves in London’s West End for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. 2 million shoppers flocked to the area putting the credit crunch on hold for the four day break, according to New West End Company which represents retail for London’s West End. 

Jace Tyrrell, spokesperson for New West End Company, said: “Tills were ringing on the three main West End streets - Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street - for the four day bank holiday weekend.  Retailers reported good sales in foods, fashions and home improvement items from both the domestic and international shoppers who hit the high street in force for the first time this year.”

According to foot flow records issued this morning by data trackers Springboard, West End foot flow was up 2.0% year-on-year, a stark contrast to the Easter weekend last year, when shoppers were more spend aware as the credit crunch began to take hold. The West End also outperformed the rest of the UK where footflow was flat at -0.3% year-on-year. Easter Monday reported a significant increase with foot flow up 10.5% year-on-year.

Jace Tyrrell, added: “Retailers were advantaged this year by the Easter weekend falling in the middle of the school holidays, resulting in domestic shoppers being able to enjoy a family weekend break. Last year retailers had to endure the disjointed holiday break with Easter falling early and outside of the school holidays.”

“The continued weakness of the pound against the Euro and the dollar has also meant that more domestic shoppers stayed at home for the Easter Weekend and enjoyed the West End’s world-class mix of retail, theatre and arts. The West End also benefited from the spending habits of international shoppers, particularly the French, Italians and Americans who continue to take advantage of the favourable exchange rates. “

Christine Watts, Communications Director at Selfridges, said: “It was chocolate heaven this Easter, with sales across all our lines up 80% on last year. Fantastic new product ranges from Willie Harcourt-Cooze, Melt and all our chocolatiers and confectionery brands are clearly encouraging customers to indulge.  And, more than ever before, our international customers are joining the British in shopping for edible treats, not just the handbags and luxury accessories they continue to favour."

Ken Kelling, Communications Director at Visit London, added: “Londoners are proud of their city and they did us proud this Easter weekend. It might be the recession that’s made more people think about staying at home this year, but the good news is that they live in the greatest city in the world. Unique shopping experiences and world famous attractions made the West End a wonderful and buzzing place to be this Easter.”