Experian announces UK retail data

24/12/2008

Britons are flocking to do some last-minute Christmas shopping - and might be giving the economy a boost as a result.

Figures from Experian show that on Monday footfall figures in retailers were 14 per cent higher than they were last year.

This comes after footfall being up to 15 per cent down on 2007 across last week.

However, the firm warned that Monday's total was compared to last year's Christmas Eve - which is traditionally a quieter day compared with the week before.

Talking to the Times, Anita Manan, a senior analyst at Experian, said: "Christmas Eve tends to be the day where consumers think about last minute purchases and predominantly about perishable food essentials for the traditional break."

Many shops have launched their discount sales early, in order to encourage people to spend.

The government predicts the UK to enter recession at the end of the year - and for the economy to shrink by 0.75-1.25 per cent across 2009.

However, high levels of consumer spending could help to stave off the worst of this decline.

Tags; Current UK Economy, Credit Card Lifestyle,

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