Despite a modest improvement for high streets, overall retail footfall declined in August for a fourth consecutive month.
According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic, Total UK footfall decreased by 0.4% in August (YoY), unchanged from -0.4% in July.
High Street footfall increased by 1.1% in August (YoY), up from -1.7% in July. Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.1% in August (YoY), down from 1.7% in July. Shopping Centre footfall remained unchanged at 0.0% in August (YoY), up from -0.3% in July.
Footfall decreased year-on-year across all nations: down 0.2% in England, 0.4% in Scotland, 1.7% in Northern Ireland, and the largest decrease of 2.6% in Wales.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Sunny weather encouraged shoppers back to town and city centres, with most cities reporting positive growth. Sheffield joined Birmingham and Manchester as the country’s top performers. However, the same sunshine did not provide a boost to retail parks and shopping centres, with the former returning to negative territory after a successful July.
“The last Budget imposed £7 billion in new costs which has limited retailers’ ability to invest in local communities. Government’s planned reductions of business rates for retail and hospitality premises is the golden opportunity to change this, and the Chancellor must use the Budget to ensure that no shop pays more as a result of reforms. This would enable retailers to invest more in our local communities, support local jobs, and relieve pressure on prices.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented: “August marked the end of the hottest meteorological summer on record, but footfall stayed cool—flatlining at -0.4%, exactly where we were last month. And while the sun may have shone, there may be (metaphorical) storms ahead.
“Retailers continue to be asked to do more with less, even as the cost of delivering great service rises. But shoppers are out there, and they’re shopping around—which means opportunity is on the table. Growth is possible, but it demands boldness: investment, innovation, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
“For many, winning business hinges on service, which requires labour—and labour is more expensive than ever. The sector is resilient, but resilience alone won’t reignite momentum. To avoid flatlining becoming a new kind of normal, we need a spark. Whether that comes from innovation, creativity, or external support / investment, one thing’s clear: a nation of shopkeepers still needs its shoppers.”
