West End sales up over Bank Holiday weekend
Published: 30 August, 2011
The West End saw 9.6 per cent uplift in sales over August Bank Holiday weekend.
New West End Company, which represents retailers in Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street reported the sales boost sales in London’s West End on Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend compared to the previous weekend, with a combination of factors driving transactions up.
Data from Springboard, who measure non-food sales in London’s West End, shows tills were ringing as back to school shoppers bought new term purchases and international visitors marked the end of EID by stocking up on luxury gifts for friends and family.
The increase in sales is also attributed to a flush of fashionistas hitting Bond, Oxford and Regent Streets to get their hands on the new Autumn/Winter fashions, with bargain hunters also out in force making the most of the end of summer sales. Between Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday, one million shoppers flocked to the area. Several major department stores reported double digit sales compared to last year.
Jace Tyrrell, from New West End Company, said: “Global holidays like EID are key for retailers in London’s West End and this international trade has been crucial to maintaining buoyant retail economy in the West End. Our retailers also reported significant numbers of domestic shoppers in the West End this weekend seeking end of summer purchases, with department stores recording high levels of back to school sales including school uniforms and bags.”
