Case Study: Darlington Borough Council boosts town centre footfall with CACI data insights

Darlington Borough Council boosts footfall with CACI's £200m retail spend insights

Darlington Borough Council, a local authority governing a historic town in northeast England, faced the challenge of promoting its town centre and filling empty retail units after several well-known brands ceased trading. Historically relying on gut feeling, the Council lacked the data-driven metrics needed to evidence investment opportunities and attract the right mix of retailers. They partnered with CACI Limited, which provided a market summary report to help them better understand their demographic profile and retail potential.

The solution from CACI provided clear insights that challenged misconceptions, revealing an affluent population with £200m in retail spend and predicting an additional £650k in sales. This data empowered the Council to confidently approach larger retail, leisure, and hospitality brands, showcasing Darlington as a top shopping destination. The results included a more proactive, targeted strategy for attracting new businesses, strengthening the local economy, and increasing footfall.

Darlington Borough Council