Shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month due to rise in temperature, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations, shows sector figures released today (July 11).
According to BRC-Sensormatic data, total UK footfall decreased by 1.8 per cent in June (YoY), down from -1.7 per cent in May.
High Street footfall decreased by 3.0 per cent in June (YoY), down from -2.5 per cent in May. While retail park footfall decreased by 1.1 per cent in June, shopping centre footfall decreased by 1.6 per cent.
Once more, footfall decreased year-on-year across all nations. It was down by 1.4 per cent in England, 3.0 per cent in Scotland, 3.3 per cent in Wales, and the largest decrease of 5.2 per cent in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, "Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations.
"High streets were particularly affected as extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms, discouraging visits. Subdued consumer sentiment means shoppers remain cautious – making it increasingly difficult for retailers to generate strong footfall into their stores.
"However, there were more encouraging signs in some parts of the UK, with Manchester and Birmingham recording positive footfall for the third consecutive month. This is thanks to popular new shops opening and major concerts drawing in crowds.
"The Government formed a year ago promising to reinvigorate our high streets. However, footfall remains negative, with retailers struggling to invest more in local stores due to the rising costs from the last Budget.
"This is compounded by an outdated, broken business rates system in urgent need of reform. While we welcome Government’s plans to reform rates, it is essential that the changes leave no shop paying more.
"In doing so, the Government can ease the pressure on high streets, enabling greater investment in our towns and cities, something local communities desperately need."
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented, "June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record—but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival.
"Total UK footfall was down -1.8 per cent year-on-year, a gentler drop than the -2.3 per cent seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline.
"One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum, especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure."