The UK retail sector experienced a decline in footfall in March 2025 as consumer and business sentiment remained low amid persistent economic uncertainties and apprehension ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Sensormatic.
The timing of Easter, which falls in late April in 2025, also contributed to lower footfall compared to 2024, when Easter holidays commenced during March.
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The data indicates a 5.4% decline in overall UK footfall for March 2025 in comparison to the previous year and a significant fall from the 0.2% decrease observed in February.
During the month, the high street experienced a 4% reduction in footfall compared to the previous year – a steeper year-on-year (YoY) drop from the 0.1% seen in February.
Retail parks saw a 1.2% fall in footfall YoY in March, down from a 2% decrease in February.
Shopping centres were also affected, with a 5.8% decline in footfall YoY compared to the 0.1% dip noted in February.
The downward trend was consistent across all nations with England registering a 4.9% decrease, Scotland 6.6%, Wales 8.3% and Northern Ireland facing the steepest decline at 9%.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson stated: “Despite this, footfall in retail parks held up better than other locations as the expanding offer of hospitality and leisure outlets alongside retail, together with free parking, attracted more shoppers. Similarly, London saw only a minor dip in footfall compared to other parts of the country.
“Global uncertainties resulting from tariffs and a potential economic slowdown could reduce the appetite for shopping trips in the coming months. The government must find ways to boost consumer confidence and ensure retailers can invest in jobs and stores. The upcoming business rates reform, aimed at supporting high streets, could make the situation worse for thousands of retail stores caught by the proposed new, higher threshold. This is why it is vital that no store pays more as a result of these reforms.”
A recent report by BRC revealed that UK shop price inflation in March 2025 experienced a modest increase, with overall prices down 0.4% compared to a 0.7% decline in February.
