The influx to the commercial centers of our country registered in May a year-on-year decrease of more than five points (5.2%) compared to the same month of 2008. This is evident from the Experian FootFall Index which also indicates how this This figure also contributes to the deterioration of the accumulated index, which now stands at -1.7%, compared to -0.9% last April. This result implies a variation in the seasonality curve of the sector, which until now had traditionally seen increased visits to shopping centers during the month of May.
The Experian FootFall index also highlights that the number of visits to shopping centers has been decreasing continuously throughout the month, with interannual weekly decreases between 1 and 4%. The situation has gradually worsened throughout the month until closing its last week with a decrease of 11.5% compared to the same week of the previous year.
Neither the rest of the countries in our environment have a more positive situation, and in interannual terms, the British index recorded a fall of 2.4%, back 2.5% in Italy and Portugal takes the worst part with a fall of visitors of 8.4% compared to May 2008.
The current economic situation has brought about a change in consumer purchasing behavior and has tested their loyalty to brands. More informed, demanding, and less willing to succumb to impulse purchases, current buyers make sure to compare prices, features, and options – especially through the Internet – before making any purchase decisions. In short, they look for a smarter purchase.
About the Experian FootFall Index
The Experian FootFall index is produced monthly on a sample of shopping centers spread strategically throughout. All of them use the counting system of Experian FootFall and represent more than 30% of the population, which in demographic terms supposes a sufficiently representative sample. The index has as reference point the month of November 2002. About Experian
Experian in a global leader that offers organizations and consumers information, analysis and marketing services, to help them better manage the risks and rewards of their business and financial decisions.
Through the combination of unique information tools and in-depth knowledge of individuals, markets and economies, Experian collaborates with organizations around the world to establish and strengthen their relationships with their clients and to give their businesses a competitive advantage.
Experian also provides consumers with critical information that allows them to make their financial and purchasing decisions with greater control and confidence. Among our clients there are companies belonging to different sectors such as: financial services, retail and catalog sales, telecommunications, utilities, media, insurance, automotive, leisure, e-commerce, industry, real estate and public sector.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is part of the FTSE-100. Headquartered in Dublin (Ireland), its operational headquarters are in Costa Mesa (California) and Nottingham (United Kingdom). Its approximately 15,000 employees in 40 countries around the world serve customers in more than 65 countries. The Group’s sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, reached $ 3,900 million.