Footfall sees sharp 5.4% drop in March due to late Easter
It comes as year-on-year footfall decreased across all parts of the UK: 4.9% in England; 6.6% in Scotland; 8.3% in Wales; and 9% in Northern Ireland
Total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped sharply by 5.4% in March, up from a 0.2% fall in February, according to BRC-Sensormatic data, which has been attributed to the timing of Easter later this April.
Due to last year’s Easter falling in March, the calendar change has distorted the year-on-year footfall comparison – resulting in an “artificially” higher April but lower March footfall.
Over the five-week period from 2 March to 5 April, high street footfall saw a year-on-year decline by 4% – down from 0.1% in February, with shopping centres seeing a much sharper drop of 5.8% in the same period, down from 0.1% in February.
While retail park footfall only saw a year-on-year decline of 1.2% in March, this was down from 2% in February.
It comes as year-on-year footfall decreased across all parts of the UK: 4.9% in England; 6.6% in Scotland; 8.3% in Wales; and 9% in Northern Ireland.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said: “With Easter falling in April this year, footfall in March could not be compared to last year when families were already enjoying their Easter holidays. Despite this, footfall in Retail Parks held up better than other locations as the expanding offer of hospitality and leisure outlets alongside retail, together with free parking, attracted more shoppers.
“Global uncertainties resulting from tariffs and a potential economic slowdown could reduce the appetite for shopping trips in the coming months. The government must find ways to boost consumer confidence and ensure retailers can invest in jobs and stores.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant of EMEA at Sensormatic, added: “After a bumpy few months, March made for disappointing footfall as shopper and business confidence remains subdued, not helped by ongoing economic uncertainty and pre-Spring Statement jitters. With Easter this year landing in April, some of the downturn in store visits in March could have been from consumers withholding Easter spend. Retailers will now be hoping that strong Easter trading can help balance out a slow start to Spring.
“It’s worth noting, however, that there were some brighter moments for shopper counts in March – although, sadly, not enough of them to have had a material impact on the overall figures. Mother’s Day in particular delivered a standout performance, driving a +13.4% uplift in High Street footfall compared to last year.”
