Easter shoppers give High Street retailers a boost

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated: 16:30 EST, 5 April 2010

Retailers enjoyed a bumper Easter as the return of consumer confidence helped sales outstrip last year's holiday trading, early reports suggest.

Stores in London's West End saw their tills boosted by an influx of shoppers, according to the New West End Company, which represents retailers in the capital's shopping district.

A spokesman for the firm said a combination of rainy weather and the weak pound had been a boon for retailers, with many reporting sales up more than 10pc on last year's holiday trading.

Easter sales are expected to outstrip last year's figures

David Barton, director of selling operations at John Lewis, said the department store had enjoyed 'really strong trading' throughout the Easter weekend, adding that sales were expected to beat last year's performance.

Beverley Aspinall, managing director of luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason, said sales were up 23pc on last year, while the Bluewater shopping centre in Essex reported a 'very busy' Easter weekend, with footfall up on last year.