Although the high-street will bounce back, it would be naïve to believe that online purchasing, which became essential over lockdown, will be reversed in its entirety. Image Credit: Yoyo 2017.

Retail footfall in the UK dropped by 1.3% in August, compared with the 1.6% decline during the same period last year, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The report also identified that the three-month average of footfall declined by 2.1%, the six-month average was down by 1.4%, and the 12-month average decreased by 1.7%.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Footfall on the High Street was down by 1.9% in August, compared to a 2% decline during the same period of the prior year. The three-month average of High Street footfall dropped by 3.1%.

In addition, shopping centres footfall for the month dropped by 2.2%, compared with the 2.4% decline during the same period last year. The three-month average also declined by 2.6%.

BRC chief-executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retail footfall continues its downwards trajectory this month, with high streets and shopping centres most affected.

“The long-term trend, which has seen footfall decline by an average of 1.7% over the last 12 months, reflects the fact that increasingly cautious consumers are holding back on discretionary spending and not heading out to the shops.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Meanwhile, footfall for retail parks in the UK increased by 1%, compared to a 0.3% increase in August 2018. The three-month average increased by 0.7%.

Dickinson added: “Only retail parks, with their combination of activities and shopping, were able to buck the trend.

“There is little sign that the stresses on retail will abate any time soon. Stuck between weak demand, thanks to Brexit uncertainty, and rising costs resulting from business rates and other public policy costs, many retailers are clearly struggling.

“The government should take the opportunity to reduce the heavy cost burden holding back retail investment.”