WHILE retailers report a drop in the number of southern shoppers coming here, it is claimed that those who make the trip are spending more per visit.
Jim Masterson, centre manager at Erneside notes that as a result of the euro rate becoming somewhat flattened there is not same ‘draw’ to Enniskillen as a shopping destination, nor is there the ‘same urgency’ for shoppers to visit the town.
“As we get closer to next year and the Brexit date things may change significantly. We have noticed that some retailers are bringing prices down if they have stores in the South as well as the North to try and keep customers local.
“After three years of positive growth we are finding it a bit more challenging this year. We have found that customers are not visiting as frequently but their average spend per visit has increased.
“A big reason for this is that euro rates have become normalised and the differential has narrowed. There has been a harmonisation of prices in the South to the North. On the back of three years of positive growth we would expect some plateau. However, Enniskillen as a location is still outperforming other border regions. “
Another factor which may impact on local shops in the run-up to Christmas is the Primark fire which has resulted in a large section of Belfast city centre being cordoned off indefinitely
The thinking is that this might be detrimental to Belfast and of benefit to provincial towns like Enniskillen where local people may be more inclined to shop local. “It’s too early at this point to give any definitive of the impact on Enniskillen,” says Mr Masterson.
Jonathan Styles, from T A Mercer notes, “Enniskillen offers a good range of shopping which attracts not only customers locally but also from further afield. We have a strong euro which is great.” In regard to the currency differential “historically we have been in these situations before and experienced similar with the punt before the euro.
“We have always managed to keep Enniskillen as a first class destination for shopping. If you walk down the centre of Enniskillen you have a good range of buoyant shops along the high street. I would be very upbeat about how it is now.
“The council are working very hard to ensure that the town is a leading centre of retail in the North West. With Christmas less than 100 days away we are on track to deliver another great year.”
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