London Fashion Week 2009 4

London Fashion Week provided a boost to shopping in the capital last month, figures have suggested. While the number of shoppers in the rest of the country dropped by 7.8% year on year for the month of February, in London the drop was just 0.4%, according to data gathered by footfall trackers Springboard. Jace Tyrrell, spokeswoman for New West End Company, which promotes the district as the world's top shopping destination, said: "London Fashion Week is a key contributor to London's economy in terms of direct sales. "As the world's number one shopping and fashion destination, the West End really benefited from the fortunes of LFW. "Tills began ringing as young shoppers, influenced by the fashion trends, prepared themselves early for the spring seasons. "We also experienced an unprecedented influx of families into the West End during the half term period, who chose to have a 'West End Break' rather than take a trip abroad." Over half term, from February 14 to 22, the number of shoppers was up 3% on the same time the previous year. Ms Tyrrell said: "Families enjoyed some excellent theatre and hotel deals for overnight accommodation, as well as some of the world's greatest selection of international and flagship stores." Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman said: "LFW is worth 20 million to the London economy in terms of direct spend, some of this directly going to businesses based in the West End. "This season saw some of the best attendance figures from both traditional and emerging markets, in a number of years and we hope that this trend continues next season as we continue to celebrate 25 years of British Fashion
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