Shopper numbers down, but sales were up
The Easter fortnight was the quietest on the high street since 2000, according to SPSL's retail traffic figures released today.

Shopper numbers across the UK were down 7.3 per cent for the two weeks from April 9 to April 22.

SPSL director of knowledge management Tim Denison said: 'These latest figures are troublesome for retailers. The poor Easter comes on the back of another quiet month in March - a 9.5 per cent year-on-year drop in numbers - and a fall of 1.7 per cent against February, which was also a disappointing month.'

However, according to figures released by the GfK market research group, sales over the Easter weekend were up on 2005.

The DIY sector saw sales increase by£250 million, up 4 per cent on the previous year. Consumer electronics also outperformed last Easter by 18 per cent.

Commercial director at GfK James Randall said: 'Our early sales figures indicate that Easter 2006 was good for retailers. Consumer electronics and IT continue to be key drivers, but it is encouraging to see growth in the DIY sector.'

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