Latest news with #FACupSemiFinal
Fashion Network
09-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Everyone agrees: April was a good month for UK retail footfall as Easter and sun encouraged crowds
Despite the month-on-month/year-on-year disturbance in the force (Easter), April returned to offer some sort of normality, delivering a welcome positive boost for UK retail destinations. And for once, related data from both MRI Software and the BRC/Sensormatic footfall monitor were in agreement. Acknowledging Easter's shift into April from March a year ago had distorted year-on-year comparisons, the former said last month's footfall rose 4.3% compared to a year ago while the latter gave an even better increase of 7.2% in April, up from -5.4% in March. 'It was a much-needed lift as the sector deals with ongoing consumer caution', according to MRI Software. It said this boost was largely due to a 5.1% increase in activity at retail parks, bolstered by the shift in Easter holiday timings and a spell of warm weather. High streets and shopping centres also experienced gains with footfall rising 4.1% and 3.9% respectively, 'indicating seasonal events and attractions are drawing visitors back to physical retail destinations'. Over in the BRC/Sensormatic camp, April's high street footfall increased 5.3% (YoY), up from -4% in March; retail parks footfall increased by 7.5% in April, up from -1.2% in March; and shopping centres footfall increased by 5.6% in April, up from -5.8% in March. It also said footfall increased year-on-year across all nations: 6.7% in England, 6.9% in Scotland, 13.6 % in Wales, and the largest increase of 14.3% in Northern Ireland. Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, said: 'April brought a welcome rebound in footfall. The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores. High streets and shopping centres both saw solid gains [and] retail parks continued to outperform… reinforcing their role as a resilient format.' Other MRI highlights included weekday footfall in April soaring 6.9% compared to last year, highlighting that more people were out and about during the school holidays and that the return to office 'is solidifying into a long-term trend'. And London was a big fan of April. It hosted the 45th London Marathon, drawing large crowds and boosting Central London footfall by 8.6% compared to last year's event. The evening of the marathon saw a significant 19.5% increase in footfall as runners and supporters celebrated, likely giving a much-needed boost to leisure and hospitality venues. As well as the Easter holidays, events including the FA Cup Semi Final and the opening of the IKEA store on Oxford Street may also have likely contributed to Central London footfall levels rising. 'It's encouraging to see retail destinations across the UK maintain positive trends amid several large retailers falling victim to a wave of cyber-attacks which may potentially impact the in-store experience', the MRI report noted. Looking ahead to May, it said trends are promising but retail leaders should remain cautiously optimistic: 'While events such as the bank holiday and school half-term break offer further opportunities to keep up the momentum, the cost-of-living squeeze continues to cast a long shadow. Retailers need to remain agile and focus on delivering value and experience which may help to convert footfall into spend as shoppers grow increasingly selective in how and where they part with their money.'
Fashion Network
09-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Everyone agrees: April was a good month for UK retail footfall as Easter and sun encouraged crowds
It said this boost was largely due to a 5.1% increase in activity at retail parks, bolstered by the shift in Easter holiday timings and a spell of warm weather. High streets and shopping centres also experienced gains with footfall rising 4.1% and 3.9% respectively, 'indicating seasonal events and attractions are drawing visitors back to physical retail destinations'. Over in the BRC/Sensormatic camp, April's high street footfall increased 5.3% (YoY), up from -4% in March; retail parks footfall increased by 7.5% in April, up from -1.2% in March; and shopping centres footfall increased by 5.6% in April, up from -5.8% in March. It also said footfall increased year-on-year across all nations: 6.7% in England, 6.9% in Scotland, 13.6 % in Wales, and the largest increase of 14.3% in Northern Ireland. Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, said: 'April brought a welcome rebound in footfall. The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores. High streets and shopping centres both saw solid gains [and] retail parks continued to outperform… reinforcing their role as a resilient format.' Other MRI highlights included weekday footfall in April soaring 6.9% compared to last year, highlighting that more people were out and about during the school holidays and that the return to office 'is solidifying into a long-term trend'. And London was a big fan of April. It hosted the 45th London Marathon, drawing large crowds and boosting Central London footfall by 8.6% compared to last year's event. The evening of the marathon saw a significant 19.5% increase in footfall as runners and supporters celebrated, likely giving a much-needed boost to leisure and hospitality venues. As well as the Easter holidays, events including the FA Cup Semi Final and the opening of the IKEA store on Oxford Street may also have likely contributed to Central London footfall levels rising. 'It's encouraging to see retail destinations across the UK maintain positive trends amid several large retailers falling victim to a wave of cyber-attacks which may potentially impact the in-store experience', the MRI report noted. Looking ahead to May, it said trends are promising but retail leaders should remain cautiously optimistic: 'While events such as the bank holiday and school half-term break offer further opportunities to keep up the momentum, the cost-of-living squeeze continues to cast a long shadow. Retailers need to remain agile and focus on delivering value and experience which may help to convert footfall into spend as shoppers grow increasingly selective in how and where they part with their money.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Aston Villa semi-final arrest after 'violence during seating row'
Police are investigating an assault after violence broke out at Wembley stadium during the semi-cup final between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. A man aged 66 has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a football fan was reportedly 'headbutted in the face' at Saturday's game, May 26. He has since been bailed, with force enquiries ongoing into the circumstances. The Metropolitan Police said the assault reportedly happened during a confrontation shortly before kick-off at 5pm. Read more: Stepmum hurt in triple crash tragedy haunted by nightmares: 'I see my own children dead in backseat' Avid Villa fan Colin Abbott claimed to have witnessed the incident after tensions flared over seating arrangements in the stands. He told BirminghamLive the victim was headbutted in the nose as he made comments to another fan about his blocked view of the pitch. The Met Police said the victim, aged 46, sustained minor injuries during the incident. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police are investigating an assault, which reportedly took place during the FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley Stadium, Brent on Saturday, 26 April. 'At around 17:00hrs, officers were made aware of a confrontation in which one man allegedly assaulted another. 'A 46-year-old man received minor injuries. 'A 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. "He has been bailed as enquiries into the circumstances continue.' BirminghamLive has contacted Wembley stadium and Aston Villa for comments.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Train provider issues warning ahead of FA Cup Semi Final and London Marathon clash
London is expected to be plunged into travel chaos at the end of this month as the FA Cup Final and London Marathon clash on April 27. Trains will be "extremely busy" with many likely to be unable to sit or board their required services, warns East Midlands Railway. The sporting events will also clash with planned engineering works taking place on the Midland Mainline in the London St Pancras International area which will see some lines closed. London St Pancras International Low Level will be closed, and Thameslink services will be diverted to the High-Level platforms. Intercity services will be "extremely busy" and customers are likely to experience long delays and queues at both London St Pancras International and Nottingham. Travellers may also be unable to find a seat for some or all of their journey, say the train operator. READ MORE: The South London neighbourhood named 1 of UK's best places to live that feels like a secret village READ MORE: Bloody 72 hours on London's streets sees 7 stabbings and 3 crashes On 27 April, EMR services to and from London are expected to be incredibly busy due to the FA Cup Semi Final and the London Marathon, as well as planned engineering works that will limit services to one train per hour, all taking place on this customers not attending… — East Midlands Railway (EMR) (@EastMidRailway) April 7, 2025 There will only be one train per hour between London St Pancras International and Sheffield (vis Beighton), Nottingham, Corby and on the shuttle service between Kettering and Corby. Customers may not be able to board their required service, especially before or after the FA Cup Final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium at around 4.30pm on April 27. If the match goes to extra-time there will be a "very limited" number of services back to Nottingham. Anyone who is able is being asked to not make their journey on Sunday and EMR say will honour tickets for travellers with a Sunday ticket change to a service a day either side. Customers who must travel between Nottingham and London St Pancras on Sunday, 27 April, are advised to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "Services will be extremely busy on Sunday, 27 April, due to engineering works, the marathon, and Nottingham Forest fans travelling to the FA Cup Semi-Final. "Unfortunately, customers should expect delays, queues, and standing. Customers should know that if the Semi Final was to go to extra-time the number of services back to Nottingham are very limited. "We advise those not attending the match to travel after 2pm from Nottingham and before 7pm from London to avoid peak times. "We would like to thank customers for their patience during these engineering works and would like to apologise for any inconvenience." Got a story? Please get in touch at Stay updated on the latest travel news for London's roads with our London Traffic and Travel newsletter. Sign up HERE.
