Insights

All Weekly Footfall Monthly Trade Update Season Studies Special Reports

Our West End Trade Intelligence report is published between the 15th and 23rd of every month, and looks at a combination of sales trends, tax free spend and footfall. Each section of the report looks at a particular street’s trade performance, taking a 6-month view of footfall and sales data for Bond, Oxford and Regent Street.

West End Trade Intelligence – October 2018

West End sales fell in October, year on year. Footfall to the region rose, with the strongest gain in 12 months. West End year on year non-EU sales fell, though compared to a weak October in 2017. Read more Wed 28 November 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – September 2018

West End sales fell in September, year on year. Footfall to the region remained roughly in line with previous year. Department stores saw the most significant decline in sales. West End year on year non-EU sales rose compared to a weak September in 2017. Read more Wed 31 October 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – August 2018

West End sales fell in August, year on year. Only department stores saw an increase in sales on last year. Footfall to the region remained roughly in line with previous year. West End year on year non-EU sales fell in August, compared to a strong August in 2017. Spend by US and Qatari shoppers rose. Read more Mon 24 September 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – July 2018

West End sales fell in July, year on year. Footfall to the region remained roughly in line with previous year. West End year on year non-EU sales flat in July, compared to a strong July in 2017. Spend by Saudi and Qatari shoppers rose sharply. Luxury and premium fashion saw the strongest category performance Read more Thu 23 August 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – June 2018

West End sales increased in June, year on year. June sales growth compares against modest comparable growth last year. Footfall enjoyed its second consecutive month of year on year growth. West End international tax free sales fell in June. Saudi spend fell in June and Chinese spend down. Jewellery and watches and luxury locations saw the strongest category performance. Read more Mon 6 August 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – May 2018

West End sales fell in May year on year however compares against strong comparable growth last year. Footfall did recover with the first month of year on year growth since November 2017. West End international also sales fell in May, though compared with strong growth in May 2017. Read more Wed 27 June 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – April 2018

West End sales fell in April year on year, with regional footfall also down. Sales across all reporting categories declined. Jewellery sales were the hardest hit retail category. Read more Wed 23 May 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – March 2018

Retail sales fell in March with regional footfall down. Sales across all categories also declined. A combination of snow and bitterly cold conditions as a result of the “Beast from the East” marred trade in March. Unsurprisingly, both footfall and sales suffered as a result, resulting in the most significant decline in year on year trade the West End has seen in over a year. Read more Tue 1 May 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – February 2018

The sales recovery we reported on in January was shortlived, with sales falling sharply in February. International spend fell significantly, with Chinese New Year in particular not bringing the same volumes as the previous year. February 2017 saw an unusually high volume of international spend however, so year on year comparisons are not the best measure of success. Read more Fri 23 March 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – January 2018

January sales recovered marginally after a difficult Q4, however footfall continued to fall. International spend fell in January, however this will partly be due to Chinese New Year moving from January in 2017 to February this year. Read more Fri 9 March 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – December 2017

Many retailers reported negative trade in December, however, there were winners and losers across brands and categories. On boxing day, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days for the West End, unsubstantiated reports of a violent incident hindered trade, with inclement weather throughout week 52 compounding this impact. Read more Thu 8 February 2018

West End Trade Intelligence – November 2017

November was a challenging month for retail in the West End and the UK, with total sales falling for the second consecutive month. Footfall on Regent Street rose despite the challenging trading conditions and pressure on consumers. Read more Fri 22 December 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – October 2017

October proved a tough month for UK & West End trade, as domestic shoppers feel the inflationary pinch. Read more Wed 6 December 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – September 2017

September trade was weaker than anticipated, however fashion retailers saw significant year on year gains in sales. Read more Mon 30 October 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – August 2017

Sales dipped slightly in August, while this marks the first negative month for year on year growth since June 2016, this figure is comparing to a particularly strong August 2016. International sales remain buoyant, with China continuing to see the strongest growth. Read more Wed 30 August 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – July 2017

July was a crucial month for trade performance in the West End, marking the first month since Brexit 'annualised' and likely setting the pace for the next six months. Read more Sun 30 July 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – June 2017

June trade was weaker than expected, particularly as this year on year figure is comparing against a particularly weak June 2016. Luxury sales declined for the first time in almost 12 months. Indian spend rose, however, as did spend by shoppers from East Asia & the Americas. Read more Fri 30 June 2017

West End Trade Intelligence – May

Overall footfall continues to fall in the West End, however year on year sales continue to grow. Bond Street was the only region to see an increase in visitor numbers. International receipts remain strong, with Tax Free shoppers spending up year on year. Read more Tue 30 May 2017

Kyle Monk,
Head of Insight

Consumer shifts, innovations and technological developments are forcing retailers to re-evaluate their business models and the ways in which they engage with consumers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the West End.

To better understand these changes, we use a mix of footfall data, sales indices and international EPOS data to measure store performance and investigate trends – as they happen.

How do members use our insights?

  • Stay on top of the latest developments
  • Support investment proposals
  • Benchmark a store’s performance
  • More effectively plan their staffing rota
  • Understand changes in consumer behaviour
  • Support new location planning activity
  • Measure campaign performance

Our insights are available free of charge to all Retail & Property BID members. Other organisations have the option to apply for an Associate Membership. To find out more about our Associate Membership, and its many benefits, please register your interest using the LOGIN / REGISTER button at the top of this page.