Impact of Severe Weather on Retail Destinations

  • Storm Eunice impacted UK footfall with a -3.8% decline
  • Footfall rose by +5.5% from Sunday to Thursday
  • Monday saw a significant +18.1% increase due to school half-term break
  • High streets experienced the most extreme drops (-36.6% on Friday, -17.9% on Saturday)
  • Greater London, Scotland, and Northern Ireland were the only regions with increases in footfall
  • Central London, regional cities, and historic towns saw uplifts of +16.2%, +10.8%, and +10.7% respectively
  • Market towns experienced a -1.3% drop and Outer London had a +2% rise
  • Gap from 2019 widened to -26.3% compared to -21.2% in the previous week

Storm Eunice heavily impacted footfall across the UK, causing a -3.8% decline from the previous week. The severe weather led to a different result between Sunday and Thursday compared to Friday and Saturday, with an average increase of +5.5%. Monday saw a significant uplift of +18.1% as the school half-term break began. High streets experienced extreme drops (-36.6% on Friday, -17.9% on Saturday). Greater London, Scotland, and Northern Ireland were the only regions with increases in footfall, while Central London, regional cities, and historic towns saw uplifts of +16.2%, +10.8%, and +10.7% respectively. Market towns experienced a -1.3% drop, and Outer London had a +2% rise. The gap from 2019 widened to -26.3% compared to -21.2% in the previous week.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the impact of Storm Eunice on footfall across the UK, citing specific numbers and percentages for different regions and types of destinations. It also includes quotes from a retail expert to provide context and analysis. However, it could have provided more context on the methodology used by Springboard to measure footfall and the impact of other factors such as COVID-19 restrictions or economic conditions.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the impact of Storm Eunice on footfall in the UK and offers insights into specific regions and destination types. It also includes expert analysis from Diane Wehrle, which adds credibility to the data presented.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of Storm Eunice on footfall (visitor numbers) in UK retail destinations, which can affect sales and revenue for businesses in this sector.
Presence Of Extreme Event: a
Nature Of Extreme Event: Natural Disaster (storm)
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: Storm Eunice heavily impacted footfall across the UK, causing a -32% decline on Friday and -12.6% decline on Saturday in high streets, but had a positive effect on Monday as the school half-term break started. The natural disaster led to a minor impact overall.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk