Visitors spend more per trip in August as Cardiff’s hospitality sector shows resilience
Visitors spend more per trip in August as Cardiff’s hospitality sector shows resilience
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Cardiff’s hospitality sector demonstrated resilience in August, with visitors spending more per trip despite an overall dip in footfall compared to the same month last year.
New figures from data specialists Beauclair, shared by city centre business improvement district FOR Cardiff, revealed that total hospitality sales in Cardiff were down 6.3% year-on-year.
However, this was a stronger performance than the national benchmark of -6.6%. Crucially, the average revenue per customer rose by 3.8%, while the average transaction value increased by 2.5%, highlighting that those who did visit the city centre were spending more on each trip.
Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff, said: “We’re seeing strong indications that Cardiff’s hospitality and retail mix is resilient, and that the visitor experience is landing well. The people who came were spending with purpose – whether that was dining, shopping, or self-care.
Certain categories showed marked year-on-year growth in August:
- Fashion sales increased by 30.1%
- Grocery spend jumped 72%, boosting local convenience and grab-and-go outlets
- Health & Beauty spend rose 3.6%, continuing an upward trend
- Tourism spend surged 74.2%, buoyed by city-break visitors and gig-goers
- Transport spend grew by 414% year-to-date, likely linked to major event activity
The month also saw fresh additions to Cardiff’s hospitality scene. Spitfire BBQ opened on St Mary Street, bringing a new “low & slow” dining concept to the city, while Ludo, a new sports bar and live lounge, launched on High Street.
“These additions contribute to Cardiff’s growing reputation as a food-focused city centre, where independent and national brands continue to invest,” added Brownell.
The rise in Health & Beauty spending comes ahead of the City of Arcades Health & Beauty Fortnight, a FOR Cardiff campaign taking place this autumn to showcase offers, experiences and treatments across the city’s iconic arcades and beyond.
It also precedes the long-anticipated opening of international beauty retailer Sephora, which will launch a new store at St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre on Thursday 23 October. Fashion brand Mango has also recently opened its doors, aligning with the double-digit growth in fashion sales recorded in August.
Brownell said: “It’s encouraging to see fashion and beauty spending growing again. Whether it’s a new outfit for an event, or a skincare splurge ahead of autumn, this kind of activity is great news for the wider retail and hospitality economy.”
FOR Cardiff said it will continue working with businesses across the city centre to track market trends, support growth, and strengthen Cardiff’s profile as a destination for visitors, workers and residents.
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