The recent surge in riots has significantly impacted footfall on the UK high streets, causing a notable decline.
- High street footfall dropped by an average of 4.8% from 4 to 7 August, attributed mainly to ongoing riots.
- Regional cities like North & Yorkshire and the West Midlands experienced sharper declines in footfall compared to London.
- Violence erupted following misinformation regarding a triple homicide linked to a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.
- Retailers are proactively safeguarding staff by closing stores early amidst the unrest.
The UK high street has experienced a notable decline in footfall, dropping by an average of 4.8% from 4 to 7 August. This decline is largely attributed to a series of riots and protests that have disrupted normal activities.
Regional cities outside London, particularly North & Yorkshire and the West Midlands, faced the most significant decline in footfall, recording drops of 12.9% and 10.6% respectively. This is in stark contrast to the average decline across all UK retail destinations, which was 2.7%.
The unrest was sparked by the spread of misinformation regarding the identity of an individual responsible for the tragic deaths of three young girls, who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, Merseyside.
The riots quickly escalated, spreading to other towns and cities. The disturbance included the hurling of petrol bombs and looting of shops, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among retailers and shoppers alike.
In response, retailers have taken steps to protect their employees and premises by opting to close shops early. These actions follow emergency meetings convened by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which have provided guidelines for retailers during this challenging period.
The ongoing riots have posed a significant challenge to UK retailers, impacting high street footfall and necessitating swift, protective measures.
