Madrid, August 25, 2009. – Experian Footfall, leading provider of information solutions based on visitor counting technology for the retail market, has today published the Portuguese Experian FootFall Index for the month of July. This monthly index provides a true representation of the change in visitor numbers to shopping centers throughout the country, enabling to assess how events such as holidays, economic issues, sports and other national and International circumstances affect the retail landscape.
Annual Performance
According to Experian FootFall data, visitors to Portuguese shopping centers fell 4,4% year-on-year during the month of July. The result is in fact in line with 2009 trend, with all months so far having performed below last year’s. It also comes after June’s slight decrease (only -0,4% vs. June 2008) provided temporary relief and led to a partial recovery in shopper numbers, that unfortunately has not been maintained.
As a result of continued declines, the accumulated Experian Footfall Index (measuring year to date visits performance versus same period past year), remains at - 4.65%, and shows how the economic crisis continues to affect retail activity.
Monthly and weekly evolution
Despite negative annual performance, the monthly trend is actually positive, with visits increasing 8.3% vs June, following regular seasonality patterns.
Taking a closer look at July’s progression, it’s the second half of the month that performs slightly better. After a positive start, the week commencing Monday July 6 draws a downward peak (-5,6% vs. previous week), but situation improves from there onwards with all remaining weeks maintaining upward trend and positive values.
European perspective
In terms of European comparison, the summer period affects retail activity differently across the continent. If in countries like Spain or Italy it’s July that normally sees the steepest monthly increases in terms of visitor numbers along the summer period, in the Portuguese market, August normally ranks as the best performing summer month.
Experian FootFall International indexes record a 3,5% year-on-year decrease in Spain, while year to date index standing at -1,2% vs. same period last year. Bad news also for United Kindgom (-2,3%) and brighter perspectives for Italy, with a 2,3% year-on-year increase that adds up to June’s positive results.
Contacto:
Mayte Romo – Responsable de Comunicación – Experian España
Tel.: 34 91 530 03 85
Email: mailto:mmayte.romo@experian.es