World Cup Set to Provide Father’s Day Retail Boost
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, June 18, 2010
The amount of people shopping on the high street this Father's day weekend is expected to exceed last year's record, as preoccupation with the World Cup, particularly England's match on Friday, sees a rise in the number of consumers leaving their shopping to the last minute, according to predictions by Experian.
The report, which reveals that sales over the Father's Day weekend were also buoyant last year – showing significant growth on the week before – suggests that retailers are likely to see a huge surge in their takings this year.
Anita Manan, spokesperson for Experian Footfall, explains, “Looking at the potential retail habits for this weekend, we are likely to see more shoppers hit the stores than last week. Statistics showed Brits stayed off the high street to watch England’s first World Cup match, so they will need to venture out over the next few days to buy those all important cards and treats for dad.
“As this week’s England match is on a Friday, it will not have the same impact on footfall as last weekend’s game,” she adds. “Saturday should therefore be a positive day for retailers anyway, but when combined with Father’s Day, all signs point towards a high scoring game for UK shops and stores.”
She adds, “Father’s Day weekend in 2009 showed a huge 14.7% rise on the previous Saturday, and a moderate rise of 1.7% on the day of the celebration itself. The increase on the former was most likely down to shoppers making a trip to the high street to buy last minute gifts and cards, and Sunday’s rise was probably attributed to those who left it very late to visit the shops to buy presents. So, retailers should be enjoying a victory in the battle with the World Cup this weekend.”
The report, which reveals that sales over the Father's Day weekend were also buoyant last year – showing significant growth on the week before – suggests that retailers are likely to see a huge surge in their takings this year.
Anita Manan, spokesperson for Experian Footfall, explains, “Looking at the potential retail habits for this weekend, we are likely to see more shoppers hit the stores than last week. Statistics showed Brits stayed off the high street to watch England’s first World Cup match, so they will need to venture out over the next few days to buy those all important cards and treats for dad.
“As this week’s England match is on a Friday, it will not have the same impact on footfall as last weekend’s game,” she adds. “Saturday should therefore be a positive day for retailers anyway, but when combined with Father’s Day, all signs point towards a high scoring game for UK shops and stores.”
She adds, “Father’s Day weekend in 2009 showed a huge 14.7% rise on the previous Saturday, and a moderate rise of 1.7% on the day of the celebration itself. The increase on the former was most likely down to shoppers making a trip to the high street to buy last minute gifts and cards, and Sunday’s rise was probably attributed to those who left it very late to visit the shops to buy presents. So, retailers should be enjoying a victory in the battle with the World Cup this weekend.”
