19/05/2014

Northern Ireland Retail Sector Shows April Recovery

NI Shopping figures have increased by almost 13% in April compared to the same period last year, according to the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC).

The vacancy rate in Northern Ireland was 17.2%, marginally improved from the previous quarter.

Aodhán Connolly, Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium: "The NIRC is delighted to be able to announce such a positive result for Northern Ireland. These footfall figures for Northern Ireland are not only the greatest rise since our new series began in 2012 but they also are far and away the greatest rise in footfall across the UK year on year. This double digit growth combined with it being the second month in a row that we have seen positive growth in footfall across Northern Ireland is an significant portent to the rise of consumer confidence as well as a more buoyant economy, and they demonstrate the fantastic work that has been done by retailers to tempt shoppers into their stores.

"We still need to give an air of caution. These are two great months of results. There are really positive signs but until we have a full quarter which reflects the economic buoyancy then we cannot assume that retail in Northern Ireland is on the rise. What we do know is that there is still work to be done, by retailers and all levels of government, to ensure a sector that employs one in ten in Northern Ireland is a bedrock of our economic recovery."

(CVS/CD)

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