The British Retail Consortium (BRC) urges political reform to address declining footfall in the UK retail sector.
- May saw a 3.6% decline in UK footfall, notably in shopping centres with a 4.5% drop.
- High streets and retail parks also experienced reductions, with declines of 2.7% and 2.3% respectively.
- Scotland faced the largest regional decrease, with footfall dropping by 5.4%.
- The BRC highlights the need for changes in business rates and planning laws to rejuvenate retail environments.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has expressed concern over the declining footfall across UK retail spaces, as latest figures reveal a 3.6% year-on-year decrease in May. Shopping centres bore the brunt with a 4.5% drop, while high streets and retail parks also saw declines of 2.7% and 2.3% respectively. Scotland reported the steepest regional decline at 5.4%, followed by Wales at 5%, England at 3.4%, and Northern Ireland at 3%. According to Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, even the bank holidays and favourable weather conditions were insufficient to draw consumers back to physical shopping venues.
Helen Dickinson has called upon political parties to address the underlying issues that she believes are stifling the retail industry’s recovery. She argues that a ‘broken business rates system‘ and ‘outdated planning laws‘ are significant barriers to growth. Dickinson stresses the importance of political intervention as the election nears, suggesting that reform in these areas could boost economic growth, lift consumer spirits, and help drive more shoppers back to the high streets and other retail destinations.
In light of the upcoming election, there is a strong push from the BRC for politicians to adopt policies that support investment in rejuvenating retail destinations. This involves examining and potentially overhauling the current business rates system and planning regulations, which are seen as obstacles to the industry’s growth. Such changes are deemed necessary to reverse the downward trend in footfall and encourage a more vibrant retail environment across the UK.
The BRC calls for urgent political action to address retail challenges and revitalise footfall as the election approaches.
