Matt Clark, EMEA Leader, Retail, at AlixPartners, comments on BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor statistics (07.11)

“Today’s figures underline just how fragile consumer confidence is as we head into the crucial trading period leading up to the festive season. With the Autumn Budget imminent, some observers are speculating that a combination of the uncertainty ahead of its announcement and the implications arising will push shoppers from cautious to conservative. While history shows that many consumers still treat themselves over the festive period, those indulgences are likely to become increasingly selective.

“Retailers are now well underway in what feels like one of the most uncertain golden quarters many will have faced. The market has reached a point where the only way to compete is by increasing share through focused, determined, like-for-like growth. With Black Friday and the run-up to Christmas fast approaching, retailers must strike the right balance between promotions and protecting margins in an environment where every penny counts, both for them and their customers. This delicate balancing act could well define performance throughout the golden quarter and in turn determine a platform for success beyond the annual seasonal boost.”