Analysts have highlighted the recent confusion over footfall as evidence that a major channel shift is underway, with shoppers increasingly moving toward using the internet, rather than through retail outlets.
Recent figures have shown confusion over footfall, however, both sets of statistics agree that it is falling.
Experian, who monitor both footfall and internet visits via its Retail FootFall Index and Hitwise divisions respectively.
"Our research suggests that the relatively poor show on the high street is due to shifting channel choice rather than declines in spending," said an Experian spokesman.