According to BRC-Sensormatic data, retail footfall took a hit in June as the heatwave pushed shoppers indoors. Total UK footfall decreased by 3.4% YoY, down from -2.6% in May. High street footfall decreased by 6.2%, retail park footfall decreased by 0.3%, and shopping centre footfall decreased by 2.5%.
Footfall rose by 1.7% YoY in Scotland, while all other nations experienced declines. Footfall fell by 0.9% in Northern Ireland, 2.3% in Wales, and 3.0% in England.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “Footfall dropped in June as the record heatwave kept many shoppers indoors.
"High streets saw the sharpest declines, while air-conditioned shopping centres and retail parks proved more resilient. While London and the South East – where temperatures were highest – registered the biggest decline, other regions performed markedly better. Scotland saw footfall rise, buoyed by cooler weather and the continued gradual opening of Glasgow City Centre after March’s devastating Union Corner fire."
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, comments: “June saw UK retail footfall remain under pressure, with total visits down 3.4% YoY, bringing the year-to-date figure down to -3.3% at the halfway point. While the overall trend remains subdued, it continues to reflect a cautious consumer who is making fewer, more considered trips.
“Exceptionally high temperatures are likely to have influenced behaviour, particularly in the South, where record heat and travel disruption made shopping trips less appealing. At the same time, consumer confidence is improving slightly but remains low, with wider uncertainty continuing to weigh on discretionary spend. This is reflected in shopping patterns, with retail footfall at shopping centres down 2.5%, while overall visits to shopping centres themselves edged up 0.6%, suggesting consumers are still visiting destinations, but engaging more selectively once there.
“While the hopes of some of the nation may be for football to come home, footfall appears to have stayed there at times. With key matches drawing attention – and occasionally keeping shoppers away – retail teams will be hoping that as the tournament moves on, consumers return in force. As we move into H2, the focus remains on converting more deliberate visits into meaningful spend.”
Ruby Hartery, retail senior underwriter at global credit insurance and risk management company Atradius UK, comments: "June's fall in retail footfall is another sign that consumer demand remains fragile.
"The heatwave may have kept shoppers away from the high street, but weaker sales combined with rising operating costs will put additional pressure on retailers' cash flow. Larger businesses may be able to absorb short-term fluctuations, but smaller retailers and their suppliers are often far more exposed.
"If subdued demand persists, the impact is likely to be felt well beyond the shop floor, increasing financial pressure across wider retail supply chains."
