US shoppers buying British presents as souvenirs for their family and friends boosted high street sales over the Easter weekend in London’s West End.
Footfall across Good Friday and Easter Saturday jumped 2.3% year-on-year, according to figures from the New West End Company, which represents 600 retailers on London’s Bond Street and Oxford Street.
Shoppers spent £75m over the two days, which is £15m more than in 2012, according to The Express.
A spokesman for New West End Company said US and European travellers, mainly from France, Germany and the Nordic countries, drove sales due to favourable exchange rates and discounts.
“Despite reports of domestic travellers making last-minute overseas trips and the cold weather shoppers were out in force,” he said.
Upmarket store Liberty reported a 20% rise in sales over the weekend with US tourists buying special gifts and mementos such as prints from its “eclectic British brands”.
Overall UK retail footfall increased 6% year-on-year with historic and coastal towns performing particularly well. Scottish footfall surged 20%.
Diane Wehrle, retail insights director at industry group Springboard, said: “This Easter hit after a payday weekend and struggling retailers will be thankful for that.”
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