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Total footfall across the UK declined 28% for the four weeks to 31 July 2021 when compared to the same period in 2019.
According to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC’s) sensormatic IQ data, the figure sits below the three-month average of a 27.7% fall.
The drop has been attributed to “turbulent” weather patterns, as high street footfall took a two-year hit of 34.6%.
The high street decline represents a 1.2% contraction from last month, and is 0.5% below the three-month average decline of 34.1%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive at BRC, said: “After improvements in footfall in the early part of 2021, the situation has plateaued with little change in footfall levels for a third month in a row.
“The turbulent weather, with initial heatwaves giving over to torrential rain, appears to have dampened the mood for shopping in July, with a particularly pronounced fall in footfall at retail parks.”
However, following the final lifting of restrictions, footfall in the UK experienced its “best weekly performance of 2021” in the final week of July, spiking seven percentage points.
Dickinson added: “Retailers hope this trend will continue as the rise of vaccinations and falling coronavirus case numbers boosts consumer confidence.
“Government and businesses must take the opportunity to build back a better future for our local destinations.”
