Despite challenges, UK shopper numbers remained steady in August.
- An overall footfall decline in UK shops was noted at 0.4% year-on-year.
- Retail parks showed a rise in footfall, outperforming high streets.
- Riots initially impacted shopping habits, but improvements followed.
- Calls for government action are growing to support high streets.
Despite the unrest at the beginning of August, UK shops saw a steady number of shoppers, with overall footfall declining only slightly by 0.4% compared to the previous year, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Both Northern Ireland, which saw a rise in footfall by 1.4%, and Scotland, up by 0.7%, were exceptions to the general trend, showing resilience amidst the challenges.
Retail parks performed particularly well, enjoying a 2.6% increase in footfall, surpassing both high streets, which saw a modest decline of 0.3%, and shopping centres, which experienced a greater drop of 1.8%. This suggests that retail parks may have absorbed some of the shopper traffic from town centres disrupted by the riots.
Analysts cautiously welcomed these figures, noting a robust footfall performance in the latter half of August, aided by easing price inflation, favourable weather, and seasonal trades associated with school and bank holidays. Andy Sumpter, a Retail Consultant with Sensormatic Solutions, remarked on the notable resilience and the potential for longer-term growth if these trends continue.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, highlighted the need for governmental support to drive positive change in high streets. She pointed out that although there was an improvement in the year-on-year footfall changes from July, these figures continue to reflect a negative trajectory. She emphasised the upcoming budget as an opportunity to address the broken business rates system, which hinders retail investment and contributes to the ongoing decline of high streets.
Continued resilience in shopper numbers depends heavily on favourable conditions and necessary policy adjustments.
