UK retail footfall declined for the second consecutive month, with total visits to shops down 1.8% year-on-year in June, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ data. High streets saw the steepest drop at -3.0%, while footfall in retail parks dipped by 1.1%, and shopping centres fell 1.6%. Across the UK nations, Northern Ireland saw the sharpest decline at 5.2%, followed by Wales (-3.3%), Scotland (-3.0%), and England (-1.4%).
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'Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations,' said Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium. '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.'
Despite the downturn, regional pockets of optimism remain: 'Manchester and Birmingham recorded positive footfall for the third consecutive month. This is thanks to popular new shops opening and major concerts drawing in crowds,' Dickinson added.
One year after the UK general election, the promised revitalisation of high streets has yet to materialise. Dickinson pointed to policy headwinds: 'Retailers [are] 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 This is compounded by an outdated, broken business rates system in urgent need of reform.' She welcomed reform proposals but warned, 'It is essential that the changes leave no shop paying more.'
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA at Sensormatic, noted, '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.' While this year's 1.8% decline is milder than the 2.3% seen in June 2024, it still signals a lack of momentum. 'One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet,' Sumpter observed.
Looking ahead, Sumpter suggested a cautious opportunity: 'The rate of decline is easing… retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum, especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.'
More information:
British Retail Consortium
[email protected]
www.brc.org.uk
