Q1 2010 Experian Footfall Index Release

Experian National Footfall Index

Dublin, 19^th April 2010 — Figures released today by Experian®, the global information services company, shows that the consistently declining footfall experienced by retailers in the Republic of Ireland for the past two years appears to be steadying. Experian’s analysis reveals that during January to March 2010 average footfall decreased less than one per cent compared with the same period last year.

The Experian National Footfall Index shows that although year on year footfall fell by 1.6 per cent in January, retailers received an encouraging boost as shopper visits to high streets and shopping centres increased in February and again in March by one per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively. This the first time positive year on year footfall values has been recorded since March 2008.

Conversely footfall figures for Northern Ireland for the first three months of the year decreased, dropping by almost six per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009. January year on year footfall figures were down a significant 8.3 per cent whilst February and March also decreased, by 4.3 and 4.6 per cent respectively.

Paul Slevin, Head of Sales and Marketing for Experian in Ireland, explained: "After a long period of declining footfall, February and March's year on year figures will come as welcome news to retailers, particularly as the January sales were jeopardised by this year’s cold weather. Not only were there more people out and about, but purchasing also increased as figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the volumes of sales in February were up three per cent compared with the same month last year. This again represents the first annual increase in sales for more than two years.”

On Northern Ireland’s retail performance, Slevin adds: "In Northern Ireland, the footfall figure for the first quarter decreased by almost six per cent, which is a significant drop compared to the same period last year. It is possible that some of those Southern shoppers who have been visiting Northern Ireland to take advantage of the weaker pound and the lower VAT rate, are now looking for value for money closer to home."

Please see below tables for monthly and quarterly figures:

Table 1 – Year on Year Comparison – Republic of Ireland

Table 2 – Year on Year Comparison – Northern Ireland

Table 3 Month on Month Comparison – Rep of Ireland

Table 4 Month on Month Comparison – Northern Ireland

Source: Experian

Contact:
Danielle Span-Dominy
Experian Ireland
Tel+353 1 8469236

*About Footfall
The Footfall Index is endorsed by the BCSC, the membership organisation that represents the retail property industry, and, as such, is regarded as representative of Irish shopping habits. The Footfall Index is a national benchmark of visitor numbers to shopping centres geographically spread throughout Ireland.

About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

For more information, visit http://www.experian.ie

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2009 was $3.9 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; Costa Mesa, California; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.

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