Retail footfall in June was 2.8% down on a year ago – worse than the 0.3% rise recorded in May, and the sharpest decline since February 2014, reports BRC-Springboard.
High streets reported a 3.7% fall, followed by shopping centres, which recorded a 2.3% decline. Footfall in retail parks fell 1% after rising 1% in May – its worst performance since November 2013.
The best performing region was Wales, reporting a 0.9% rise in footfall, improving on the 0.8% increase in May. All others reported a decline in June, the West Midlands, Greater London and Scotland witnessing the sharpest declines.
Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC chief executive, says: “Despite today’s figures showing the deepest decline in footfall since February 2014, the same period has seen UK retail sales rise. June has seen many distractions from Euro 2016 to Wimbledon so heading out to the shops seems to have slipped down the priority list for many. In the coming months we all must redouble our efforts to remind customers that now is a great time to get out into their local communities.
“Retailers continue to focus relentlessly on delivering for shoppers day in, day out, and they know that providing a great in-store experience is key to driving up footfall. Although there is a level of uncertainty, it is important that this doesn’t deter us from the shopping and leisure activities we all enjoy. The EU referendum will not have changed the in-store experience for customers and, crucially, the price of goods on the shelves. Now is a great time for shoppers as the summer sales begin in earnest following on from a record 38 months of falling shop prices.”
