Retail footfall down despite shopper return

Retail footfall was down 1.7 per cent year on year in August, despite cooler temperatures luring shoppers back after a scorching July, new figures show.

High street footfall was down 3.1 per cent year on year, an improvement on July’s 3.8 per cent decline when shoppers sheltered from the heat at home, according to data from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic.

While retail parks enjoyed a one per cent increase, shopping centre visits were down year on year by 0.5 per cent.

Footfall was down 0.1 per cent year on year in Scotland, 1.3 per cent in Wales and by 2.1 per cent in England – but up 2.8 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium chief executive, said: “Footfall improved on the previous month, though still down on last year.

“The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items.

“Retail parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows high streets face an uphill battle.”

She called on the Government to help retailers with lower costs, rather than “warm words”.

Helen added: “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.”

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