Footfall saw biggest fall since pandemic

Footfall in February experienced its biggest fall since the pandemic as total UK footfall decreased by 6.2 per cent, down from -2.8 per cent in January, primarily owing to climate and train strikes, show recent figures.

According to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data, high street footfall decreased by 9.3 per cent in February (YoY), down from -2.3 per cent in January. Retail Parks footfall decreased by 5.8 per cent in February (YoY), down from -1.8 per cent in January while shopping Centre footfall decreased by 7.0 per cent in February (YoY).

All UK nations saw a fall in footfall year on year. Scotland saw the smallest YoY drop in footfall at -3.2 per cent. England saw a YoY drop in footfall at -6.6 per cent. This was followed by Northern Ireland at -7.1 per cent and Wales at -8.0 per cent.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, “footfall experienced its biggest fall since the pandemic. One of the wettest Februarys on record, exacerbated by train strikes at the start of the month, meant shoppers visited fewer stores, with high streets most affected. London, where footfall had been outperforming other major cities in the UK, saw one of the most significant declines.

“With these figures showing the UK underperforming compared to other developed markets, it’s time the government took action to drive tourist footfall and spending across the UK. Since the end of VAT-free shopping for tourists in 2021, the UK has been at a competitive disadvantage compared to its European counterparts. With footfall in major hubs trending downwards in recent months, the Chancellor must reinstate VAT-free shopping in his budget to support businesses and jobs across the UK.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented, “February saw a collision course of disruptive forces negatively impacting store traffic, meaning store visits dipped to their lowest ebb since the pandemic.  Prior to any energy price cap reduction, and with squeezed spending budgets, the confirmation of the UK’s ‘technical recession’ in 2023 appears to have weakened consumer confidence. 

“The wettest February on record probably didn’t help, and even Valentine’s Day, which usually provides a frisson of footfall, failed to woo shoppers into store.  With the Bank of England signalling the UK’s economy may already be recovering from what it describes as a mild recession, retailers will be hoping signs of an upturn will translate into store traffic and spend, with many looking towards the prospect of an early Easter in March to bring about a change of fortunes.”