EASTER TRADING failed to boost the State’s weakening retail sector, with a notable fall in customer numbers, according to data from global information services company Experian.

Experian announced customer footfall figures declined by 4.5 per cent over the Easter week, compared to the same week in April last year. Consumer traffic also fell by 8 per cent in March compared to the same month in 2008.

However, shopper numbers in Northern Ireland boomed over the Easter period, swelling by 24.3 per cent following a 7 per cent rise in March.

The number of retail shoppers in the State has declined consistently over the past year, and results show 4.2 per cent less people visited shopping centres during the first quarter this year.

“A footfall reduction of 8 per cent is very significant and confirms that trading conditions for retailers around the country are very difficult in the current economic downturn,” said Experian property services manager Mark Mullally.

He said increases in PRSI and income levies announced in the Supplementary Budget have hit consumers in the pocket. “People will have even less disposal income now, and will refocus their spending onto essential items such as food and fuel.”

Northern Ireland is the only area of the UK to enjoy annual increases in consumer numbers.

Recent CSO figures have revealed a drop in retail sales across the euro zone.

“It is imperative that retailers now attempt to adapt to this changed environment by exploring customer-retention strategies and communicating with customers in an appropriate and targeted manner,” said Mr Mullally.