UK retail footfall falls 1.7 percent in August as pressure remains on high streets

UK retail footfall fell 1.7 percent year-on-year in August, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor, with high streets continuing to record the sharpest decline.

The figure was down from a 1.2 percent increase in July for retail parks, which remained the only retail destination to record year-on-year growth, at 1 percent. High street footfall fell 3.1 percent, while shopping centre visits decreased 0.5 percent.

By region, Northern Ireland recorded the strongest performance, with footfall rising 2.8 percent year-on-year. Scotland fell 0.1 percent, Wales declined 1.3 percent and England dropped 2.1 percent.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), noted that while footfall had improved on the prior month, it remained below last year's figures, with cooler temperatures in August keeping shoppers at home.

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.”

Sensormatic’s Andy Sumpter said the August results showed the pace of decline may be easing, but stated retailers still faced pressure ahead of the Golden Quarter.