UK footfall drops again in July as election sparks shopping pause

(Alliance News) - Footfall declined for the 12th month in a row as fewer customers visited UK ...

Alliance News 2 August, 2024 | 4:03AM
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(Alliance News) - Footfall declined for the 12th month in a row as fewer customers visited UK shopping centres in a pre-election lull, figures on Friday showed.

Total UK footfall decreased by 3.3% in July, picking up speed from a 2.3% fall in June, the British Retail Consortium's Sensormatic IQ footfall monitor showed.

High Street footfall increased by 2.7% in July after a 3.1% drop in June. Retail Park footfall decreased by 0.8% in July, after a 0.4% dip in June. Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 3.9% in July, the same pace of decline seen in May.

All UK nations saw a drop in footfall year-on-year. In Scotland footfall fell by 2.3%; Northern Ireland eased by 2.2%; England declined by 3.4%; and Wales ebbed by 3.2%.

BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said many people have chosen to increase their spending on holidays and leisure activities rather than shopping.

"Election week also saw particularly weak footfall, as political electioneering peaked, creating uncertainty for many consumers."

"With the election now over, many retailers will be making decisions about how and where to invest in the coming years. Retailers welcomed Labour's promises to reform both business rates and planning laws – two major factors that often hold back much needed local investment. If Labour can address these effectively, they could help breathe new life into retail destinations."

Sensormatic Solutions Retail Consultant EMEA Andy Sumpter said it's clear the longtail of the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to "rattle" consumer confidence and is likely to prompt spending caution for some time to come.

But he said with election fever now over and the school holidays now in full swing, retailers will be hoping that spells a "positive outlook for store performance in the months to come".

By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter

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