Total UK footfall footfall increased by 2.4% YoY in March, up from -4.7% in February, states the latest BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor, adding that Easter is in March’s figures this year, while last year it was in April, distorting comparisons and resulting in an artificially higher March, but lower April footfall.
High street footfall increased by 2.0%, up from -5.4% in February. Retail park footfall increased by 2.5%, up from -3.1% in February, and shopping centre footfall increased by 2.6%, up from -5.5% in February.
Footfall increased YoY across all nations – up 1.6% in Wales, 2.3% in England, 3.2% in Scotland, and the largest increase of 4.9% in Northern Ireland.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “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.
“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 at Sensormatic, adds: “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.
“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.
“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.”
