Overall retail footfall dropped 1.7% year on year in August despite cooler weather enticing consumers back following a scorching July, figures show.
High street visits fell 3.1% compared to the previous year, showing a slight recovery from July’s 3.8% decline when shoppers stayed away during the heatwave, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
Shopping centre visits also slipped 0.5% year on year, whereas retail parks recorded a 1% rise.
Across the nations, footfall fell 2.1% in England, 1.3% in Wales and 0.1% in Scotland, but grew by 2.8% in Northern Ireland.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Footfall improved on the previous month, though still down on last year.
“The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items. Retail parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows high streets face an uphill battle.”
She added: “Retailers don’t need warm words, they need lower costs. With his first Budget weeks away, Chancellor Healey has a chance to throw Britain’s high streets a lifeline. Retail faces cost pressures and households are watching every penny.
“Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment, and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.”
Andy Sumpter, from Sensormatic, said: “August delivered a modest improvement for UK retail footfall, with total visits down 1.7% year-on-year.
“While still firmly in negative territory, this marks a welcome improvement on both July and June, suggesting the pace of decline may be beginning to ease. However, it is worth remembering that this remains negative growth against last year’s already modest performance, underlining the continued pressure facing retailers.”
Britain's retail sector faced continued challenges in July as persistent heatwave conditions deterred shoppers.
Total UK footfall declined by 2.1% year-on-year, an improvement from June’s 3.4% drop, according to BRC-Sensormatic data.
High street footfall was down 3.8% annually, better than June’s 6.2% fall.
Shopping centres also saw a 1.4% year-on-year decrease, an improvement on the 2.5% drop recorded the previous month.
