Published at 11:59, Wednesday, 31 October 2012

A CARLISLE shopping centre director believes figures out showing growth on the high street are backed by people spending more.

David Jackson: ‘Slight decline in terms of the numbers of visitors but not in terms of spend’

David Jackson, commercial director of The Lanes in Carlisle, admitted footfall was down slightly on last year but spending was not.

He said refurbishments at some of the stores sent “good vibes” to shoppers and encouraged them to visit.

Figures released yesterday showed better-than-expected sales growth on the high street.

The latest CBI survey, covering the first half of October, revealed 47 per cent of retailers saw sales rise on a year earlier, while 17 per cent said sales were down, giving a balance of 30.

The result is the best since June when sales were lifted by the extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Shop owners also believe the rebound will continue next month with a balance of 27 per cent expecting sales to be higher in November.

Mr Jackson said footfall was down by “about three per cent down on last year” but said it was in line with the national figure.

“There has been a slight decline in terms of the numbers of visitors but not in terms of spend,” he added.

Jones the Bootmaker is due to open in The Lanes shortly and three pop-up Christmas shops are also opening.

There have been refurbishments at Debenhams, Blue Inc, Greggs, Holland and Barrett, Superdrug and Monsoon.

The survey adds to hopes that Britain’s economy will remain on the mend after emerging from its double dip recession with stronger-than-expected growth of one per cent in the third quarter.

But economists added a note of caution as consumers are expected to come under pressure from rising energy bills and amid concern over the global economy.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk