Easter Retail Predictions 2019

Brits are expected to spend £1.1billion this Easter weekend, with those celebrating predicted to spend an average of £30.41 – a 24% increase from 2018.

Easter falling mid-month is a great benefit for retailers. The pay-cycle is often towards the end of the month, so budgets are less restricted at the start/mid-month than the last weekend, which is where the holiday fell last year.

In 2018, the ‘Beast from the East’ also had a massive impact on retail – seeing footfall decline by 7.5% over the Easter weekend. However, Springboard has released footfall predictions for this year and the forecast is looking bright, with the UK expected to see a 2.1% increase.

Statistics are looking positive for the retail market as a whole this weekend, however shopping centres are forecasting a footfall drop of 1.9%. That being said, centres across the UK are working hard to implement campaigns and events to entice visitors to schemes and increase dwell time.

Bluewater is running an “Egg-cellent Adventure” event, inviting little ones to explore the mall and look for items that have been transformed into eggs.

Westfield London and its tenants have a whole host of events on-going throughout the Easter period including an Easter egg decorating masterclass, All Star Lanes Easter egg hunt, Puttshack mini-golf are offering free face-painting, balloon making and a giant Easter bunny, The Disney Store Easter egg hunt and SEAT Easter egg sticker hunt!

Intu Trafford Centre is opening the first Easter egg café in the main dome.

The Bullring and its tenants have initiatives in place across the scheme including kids eat free at Jamie’s Italian and Giraffe, Easter egg hunts at The Disney Store and in Selfridges and games/giveaways in The Entertainer.

Princess Quay shopping centre has designed an Easter Garden in the centre with activities on offer including Easter egg hunts, storytelling, face-painting, craft workshops and giant games.

There are plenty more events and initiatives taking place across the country than mentioned above, and I am optimistic that the work going in will provide experiences worth travelling too!