The British Retail Consortium (BRC) urges political reform as UK footfall drops by 3.6% in May.
- Shopping centres experience the largest decline, with a 4.5% decrease in footfall.
- The BRC highlights outdated business rates and planning laws as barriers to revitalising retail.
- National footfall declines across Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.
- Upcoming election seen as a crucial moment for policy changes to boost the retail sector.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called upon political parties to address significant economic challenges faced by the retail sector, as evidenced by a substantial 3.6% year-on-year decrease in national footfall for May. The decline, led by a 4.5% drop in shopping centre visits, highlights the urgency for legislative change.
Shopping centres have been the most affected, witnessing a stark 4.5% reduction in footfall. This data underscores the necessity of reforming business rates and planning laws, which are currently seen as obstacles to attracting shoppers back to physical retail spaces.
High streets and retail parks have also suffered, with footfall decreasing by 2.7% and 2.3% respectively. Across the UK, the decline is consistent, with Scotland reporting a 5.4% drop, Wales 5%, England 3.4%, and Northern Ireland 3%. This uniform decline reflects broader challenges facing the retail industry amid changing consumer habits.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, voiced concerns that recent events such as bank holidays and favourable weather failed to drive in-person shopping. She emphasised the need for government intervention, stating, “With an election only five weeks away, political parties have a role to play too by having policies that mean retailers can invest in rejuvenating shopping destinations across the UK.”
The BRC identifies the existing business rates system and outdated planning laws as critical areas needing urgent attention. Helen Dickinson argued that reform in these areas would significantly enhance economic growth, uplift consumer morale, and increase footfall in retail destinations across the country.
As political parties prepare for the upcoming election, there is a growing consensus that addressing these issues could pave the way for sector-wide revitalisation. The retail industry’s future may hinge on the actions taken by the incoming government, presenting a crucial opportunity for impactful legislative action.
The forthcoming election serves as a pivotal opportunity for political action to support the struggling retail sector through necessary reforms.
