Footfall in UK shopping centres increased by 0.3% YoY in March. Credit: Sonpichit Salangsing via Shutterstock.com.

The UK retail sector experienced a 1.3% decline in footfall in March 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, according to data from BRC [British Retail Consortium]-Sensormatic IQ. 

This marks a slowing of its decline from the 6.2% decrease observed in February.  

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UK high streets witnessed a 1.5% year-on-year (YoY) reduction in footfall but improved from the 9.3% fall seen in the previous month. 

Shopping centres reported a slight increase of 0.3% in March YoY, a positive change from February’s 7% decline.  

The UK nations showed a split in overall footfall traffic during the month, with Wales and Northern Ireland experiencing increases in footfall by 0.4% and 4% YoY respectively.

Scotland, however, saw a decrease of 0.9% YoY and England recorded a 1.6% YoY decline in the same period. 

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BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Overall UK footfall declined in March [2024] as the wet weather kept shoppers indoors. Northern Ireland and Wales bucked the trend while shopping centres across the UK also saw a year-on-year increase in footfall, primarily driven by the start of the school holidays.  

“The early Easter meant footfall rose across the UK in the final week of March, particularly in English cities such as Birmingham and Liverpool, but this was not enough to reverse the overall decline over the course of the month. 

“As we draw closer to a general election, these figures highlight how vital it is for all parties to include a clear and comprehensive plan for growth in their manifestos. As the ‘everywhere economy’, retail serves all of us, providing the things we need as well as local jobs and investment.”