Hammerson's Retail Tracker (HART)*, which monitors sales activity across its shopping centres, reported a 2.6% rise in sales for the week to 31st October as shoppers were out enjoying half-term, as well as an overall 0.5% uplift in sales for the six week period to 31st October.

Children's fashion, sports and outdoors goods as well as dining offers all saw a significant boost in sales during the half-term week as the UK prepared for Halloween and to celebrate the Rugby World Cup Final, culminating in a weekend-long party.

Trendy Treats
As a result of an even wider array of ghoulish costumes, children across the country were suitably dressed to go 'trick or treating', with sales of children's clothing rising 158% and sales of fashion accessories up 7.2%. Capes, face-paints, glow-in-the-dark pyjamas and even sparkly pumpkin bath bombs were standout best-sellers at Brent Cross in London.

Treats to eat
Not confined to spooky costumes, retailers rolled out Halloween themed goods, such as speciality trick or treat confectionery, and sales of ghoulish gifts and cards rose 8.5%. Families also took time out from the kitchen, enjoying half-term meals out, as catering sales increased 10.8%.

Outdoor Tricks
As shoppers geared up for half-term activities and inspired by the Rugby World Cup, sales of sports and outdoor goods rose 17.1%. This category has continued to be a top performer across our centres, especially evident at Cabot Circus in Bristol, and Highcross in Leicester during the period.

Commenting on the results from HART, CEO David Atkins said:
'Halloween fever, which is now being hailed by some of our retailers as the third biggest event behind Christmas and Easter in their retail calendars, combined with the closing of the Rugby World Cup gripped the nation and resulted in positive sales data from across our shopping centres during half-term week. It was also encouraging to see our centres enjoying an overall rise in sales for the six week period with sports and outdoors continuing to be top on the list of our shoppers'.'

ENDS

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