Shopper numbers up in first week of year

LONDON (Reuters) - Shopper numbers were up 11.6 percent in the week to January 4 compared with the same week last year, according to a survey on Tuesday.

Market researcher Experian said the weekly data will give retailers some encouragement.

But it noted the increase in the number of shoppers would not necessarily mean a rise in revenue, given price reductions offered to lure consumers.

"Retailers are facing an extremely difficult year ahead as the slowdown in consumer spending adds to the pressure, increasing the risks of insolvency," Experian said.

(Reporting by James Davey; editing by John Stonestreet)