According to BRC-Sensormatic data, total UK retail footfall decreased by -5.4% in March (YoY), down from 0.2% in February: high street footfall decreased by -4.0%, down from 0.1% in February; retail park footfall decreased by -1.2%, down from 2.0% in February; and shopping centre footfall decreased by -5.8%, down from 0.1% in February.
Footfall decreased YoY across all nations: -4.9% in England; -6.6% in Scotland; -8.3% in Wales; and the largest decrease of -9.0% in Northern Ireland.
However, clarifies BRC-Sensormatic, the data covers the five weeks from 2nd March to 5th April 2025 – this year, Easter is in April, while last year it was in March, a calendar change which distorts the YoY footfall comparisons, resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March footfall.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “With Easter falling in April this year, footfall in March could not compare to last year when families were already enjoying their Easter holidays. Despite this, footfall in retail parks held up better than other locations as the expanding offer of hospitality and leisure outlets alongside retail, together with free parking, attracted more shoppers. Similarly, London saw only a minor dip in footfall compared to other parts of the country.
“Global uncertainties resulting from tariffs and a potential economic slowdown could reduce the appetite for shopping trips in the coming months. The Government must find ways to boost consumer confidence and ensure retailers can invest in jobs and stores. The upcoming business rates reform, aimed at supporting high streets, could make the situation worse for thousands of retail stores caught by the proposed new, higher threshold. This is why it is vital that no store pays more as a result of these reforms.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, comments: “After a bumpy few months, March made for disappointing footfall as shopper and business confidence remains subdued, not helped by ongoing economic uncertainty and pre-Spring Statement jitters. With Easter this year landing in April, some of the downturn in store visits in March could have been from consumers withholding Easter spend. Retailers will now be hoping that strong Easter trading can help balance out a slow start to spring.
“It’s worth noting, however, that there were some brighter moments for shopper counts in March – although, sadly, not enough of them to have had a material impact on the overall figures. Mother’s Day in particular delivered a standout performance, driving a +13.4% uplift in high street footfall compared to last year.”
