Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Total retail footfall across the UK fell by 2.6% in May compared with the same period last year, according to new industry data.
The decline marks an improvement on the 10.7% drop recorded in April, which was affected by the timing of an early Easter. Brighter weather early in the month initially encouraged shoppers, but record temperatures at the end of May ultimately suppressed retail visits.
High street footfall fell by 1.5% compared with last year, recovering from a 9.2% drop in April. Shopping centre visits decreased by 2.4%, while retail parks proved the most resilient format with a marginal decline of 0.5%.
Regionally, Scotland was the only nation to post a rise in activity, with footfall increasing by 0.4%. Elsewhere, footfall dropped by 1.0% in Northern Ireland, 3.0% in England, and 5.0% in Wales, which recorded the sharpest decline.
The figures, compiled by the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic, suggest consumer confidence remains fragile due to geopolitical uncertainty and long-term inflation concerns.
Chief executive of the British Retail Consortium Helen Dickinson said: “While total UK footfall remained down on last year, it was a significant improvement on April’s double-digit drop. While the warmer weather initially encouraged more people to the shops, the record-breaking temperatures at the end of the month resulted in a sharp decline in footfall, particularly at Shopping Centres and Retail Parks. Only High Streets bucked the trend, as those who were out and about took the opportunity to pop into their local stores.”
Dickinson added: “Households remain anxious about the long-term impact of the Iran conflict and inflation and expect prices to rise over the year. By tackling the inflationary pressures on the horizon, Government can help rebuild consumer confidence, ultimately supporting footfall.”
Retail consultant for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Sensormatic Andy Sumpter said: “May showed a modest improvement on April’s bleak performance, but retail footfall remains under pressure. Total UK retail visits fell -2.6% year-on-year, reflecting the lingering impact of an early Easter following a difficult April.”
Sumpter added: “Consumer confidence may be edging up slightly, but it remains fragile, with geopolitical uncertainty continuing to weigh on discretionary spend. Shoppers also appear to be changing how they engage with physical retail.”
