LONDON, Jan 5 (Reuters) - British shopper numbers were up 2.7 percent on Friday, Saturday and Sunday compared with the corresponding days in 2008, according to a survey on Monday.
Market researcher Experian said the data would give retailers some encouragement but noted that New Year's Day being on a Thursday may have shifted the pattern of weekend shoppers.
Experian said shoppers may have chosen to take Friday off work, whereas with New Year's Day being a Tuesday in 2008 many consumers were back into their daily routine by the Wednesday.
"Though this first critical weekend of the year for retailers to shift stock has started with some positive footfall, an increase in the number of shoppers will not necessarily denote revenue, especially with the reduction of prices being offered to lure the consumers," Experian said.
"Retailers are facing an extremely difficult year ahead as the slowdown in consumer spending adds to the pressure, increasing the risks of insolvency." (Reporting by James Davey)