UK retail footfall recorded a modest recovery in March 2026, though performance fell short of expectations as geopolitical tensions and ongoing cost pressures tempered consumer activity.
According to BRC-Sensormatic data covering the five weeks from 1 March to 4 April 2026, total UK footfall rose by 2.4% year-on-year, rebounding from a 4.7% decline in February. Growth was recorded across all retail destinations, with shopping centres leading at 2.6%, followed by retail parks at 2.5% and high streets at 2.0%.
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All UK nations reported increases, with Northern Ireland seeing the strongest growth at 4.9%, followed by Scotland (3.2%), England (2.3%), and Wales (1.6%).
Despite the uplift, industry leaders cautioned that the results were underwhelming given seasonal expectations. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered. Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well, but overall growth fell short of expectations. Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed."
She added: "Looking ahead, the conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on both retailer and consumer confidence, with further pressure on the cost of living potentially likely to hit footfall. Government can play its part supporting households by easing pressures created by domestic policy costs. Cutting these costs would free up retailers to invest more in value, experience and their in-store offer, the things that help footfall and create more vibrant local economies."
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, highlighted the temporary nature of the improvement: "March brought a welcome return to growth for UK retail footfall, with total retail rising by +2.4%, the first positive month in nearly a year. On the surface, this marks an encouraging shift in momentum, however, the improvement needs to be viewed in context."
He noted: "Much of March's uplift was driven by an Easter boost, with Easter week falling into this year's March trading period. Last year's comparison was also relatively weak due to the later timing of Easter, amplifying the apparent growth. Without the final week's Easter bump, March would likely have remained in negative territory, raising questions over how April may perform, particularly against much stronger comparables last year."
Sumpter concluded: "Ongoing pressures continue to shape consumer behaviour. Declining confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs – especially fuel – are still encouraging caution and fewer discretionary trips. March's return to growth is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether footfall can hold once the Easter boost passes and tougher comparisons return."
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