Retail news round-up: Increase in footfall in Northern Ireland, and The Foschini Group reports surge in Christmas sales.

Footfall increases in Northern Ireland

Footfall in Northern Ireland increased 4.6% in December across the high street, retail parks and shopping centres, according to the data from Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) and Springboard, The Belfast Telegraph reported.

NIRC’s director Aodhan Connolly is concerned that the recent political crisis “casts a shadow” over the positive figures.

There was a 1.5% increase in footfall in December across Northern Ireland’s high streets, with a 6.7% surge at shopping centre.

The Foschini Group reports high Christmas sales

The Foschini Group has reported a 14.5% increase in sales in the nine months to December 24 owing to its recent British acquisitions, Reuters reported.

The clothing and homewares retailer, which bought Phase Eight and Whistles, posted a 47.9% increase in sales at its international division.