In July, UK retail footfall experienced a notable decrease, affected by election-linked uncertainties.
- The British Retail Consortium reported a 3.3% yearly drop in overall UK footfall for July.
- High street, retail parks, and shopping centres all saw reductions in visitor numbers during this period.
- Election activities contributed to the twelfth consecutive month of falling footfall figures.
- Retailers are responding to the end of election events with strategic investment plans.
The latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed a concerning decline in footfall across UK retail spaces, recording a 3.3% decrease in July compared to the same month the previous year. This downward trend follows a lesser drop of 2.3% in June, reflecting a broader pattern of consumer reticence associated with political uncertainties.
High street footfall reduced by 2.7% year on year in July, a slight improvement from June’s decline of 3.1%. Retail parks experienced a 0.8% drop, worsening from a 0.4% decrease in the prior month. Shopping centres saw a significant decline of 3.9%, echoing May’s figures. These statistics indicate a palpable shift in consumer priorities, possibly spurred by the election climate.
Notably, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales reported decreased footfall figures, with England experiencing the steepest drop at 3.4% year on year. This geographical disparity suggests varying regional impacts of the election on consumer behaviour.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, commented on the sustained decline in footfall over the past year, attributing it to a consumer pivot away from retail towards holidays and leisure as the summer progressed. She noted, “Election week particularly saw weak footfall as political campaigns heightened consumer uncertainty. Retailers are now tasked with reassessing investment strategies in light of the election results.”
Further insights were provided by Andy Sumpter, a retail consultant for EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, who noted the paradox of declining footfall despite July’s favourable weather compared to June. Sumpter highlighted that with election activities concluded and school holidays underway, the retail sector remains hopeful for a resurgence in shopper numbers.
Overall, the UK retail sector is cautiously optimistic about potential post-election recovery, focusing on strategic investments to revitalise the industry.
