UK retail footfall remains stable in August despite extreme weather

August footfall remained largely stable across UK retail destinations, with back-to-school shopping helping to offset impact from extreme weather throughout the month. Between August 2 and 30, footfall rose 1 percent year-on-year and 0.1 percent month-on-month, according to MRI Software.

Shopping centres led the way, with footfall increasing 2.3 percent month-on-month, while retail parks recorded a more modest 0.8 percent rise. High streets, meanwhile, saw activity fall 1.2 percent as extreme temperatures and heavy rain influenced where consumers chose to shop.

Back-to-school demand provided a boost towards the end of the summer holidays, with 50 percent of store managers surveyed by MRI reporting that momentum around the season built throughout August.

Weather remained a major influence on footfall. During the UK’s fifth heatwave, high street visits fell 9.5 percent week-on-week, while heavy rain and flooding later in the month again pushed consumers towards indoor destinations.

Coastal locations were another bright spot, with footfall rising 6.3 percent month-on-month as families made the most of day trips and short breaks. However, activity remained 2.9 percent below last year, suggesting consumers continue to be selective about discretionary spending.

In a statement, MRI Software retail insights analyst Jenni Matthews said: “Footfall is becoming increasingly fluid, with consumers quick to change their plans based on factors such as weather, convenience and local experiences.”

She added that this was creating a growing gap between destinations that simply provide places to shop and those that give consumers “compelling reasons to visit”.