Retailer worries over shopper numbers not going to be comforted by the latest traffic figures
Hopes of a last-minute reprieve for retailers this Christmas could be dashed, according to the latest predictions from SPSL. The research house found that footfall was up last week by 6.5 per cent, compared to the week before, but down 6.7 per cent compared to the corresponding week last year.

SPSL director of knowledge management Tim Denison said: Christmas trading this year has been surprisingly changeable with some days being busier and others being quieter. These latest figures will come as a blow to retailers who were hoping that shoppers would be out in record numbers in the final week before Christmas. The build up is happening, but it's fitful rather than full-on.'