Retail footfall saw another YoY decline in July, but positive signs around the economy paint a brighter outlook for the future, says BRC and Sensormatic IQ.
Total UK footfall decreased by -3.3% in July (YoY), down from -2.3% in June, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ data.
High street footfall increased by +2.7% YoY, up from -3.1% in June. Retail park footfall decreased by -0.8%, down from -0.4% in June, while shopping centre footfall decreased by -3.9% in July (YoY), down from -3.2% in June.
All UK nations saw a YoY fall in footfall. Scotland decreased by -2.3%, Northern Ireland by -2.2%, Wales by by -3.2% and England by -3.4%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “Footfall declined for the 12th consecutive month, failing to maintain the buoyancy seen in 2022/23. As summer got into full swing, many people have chosen to increase their spending on holidays and leisure activities rather than shopping. Election week also saw particularly weak footfall, as political electioneering peaked, creating uncertainty for many consumers.
“With the election now over, many retailers will be making decisions about how and where to invest in the coming years. Retailers welcomed Labour’s promises to reform both business rates and planning laws – two major factors that often hold back much needed local investment. If Labour can address these effectively, they could help breathe new life into retail destinations.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, comments: “Despite a warmer and drier month compared to the wash-out that was June, July’s footfall faltered with shopper traffic falling back to the same levels we saw in May.
"As we approach a full year of seeing footfall yo-yo in its ongoing recovery, it’s clear the longtail of the cost of living crisis is continuing to rattle consumer confidence and is likely to prompt spending caution for some time to come, making each in-store conversion all the harder won.
"With election fever now over and the school holidays now in full swing, retailers will be hoping that spells a positive outlook for store performance in the months to come.”
