The UK retail sector experienced a 3.6% year-on-year (YoY) decline in footfall in May 2024, as reported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic IQ.   

The figure is seen as an improvement from the 7.2% drop seen in April.  

During the four weeks covering 28 April to 25 May 2024, high street locations witnessed a 2.7% decline in footfall, compared to a decline of 6.9% in April. 

Retail footfall in shopping centres also dropped by 4.5% YoY in May, improving from the 7.2% decline recorded in the previous month. 

Retail park footfall fell by 2.3% over the month, up from the decline of 6.2% in April. 

All UK nations reported a decrease in footfall during May, with Northern Ireland seeing the smallest at 3%.  

England followed with a 3.4% drop in footfall, while Wales saw a drop of 5%.

Scotland, which saw the smallest footfall decrease in April, recorded the largest May decline at 5.4%.  

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “UK footfall declined in May, as Bank Holidays and improving weather failed to entice customers to make in-person trips to shopping destinations. All locations did improve on the previous month while Birmingham performed best out of the major cities, showing a positive footfall trend.” 

“Retailers will be hopeful that a warm summer, coupled with events such as the European Championships and the Olympics, will boost footfall across all major shopping destinations across the UK. 

“With an election only five weeks away, political parties have a role to play too, by having policies that mean retailers can invest in rejuvenating shopping destinations across the UK.” 

A Confederation of British Industry survey recently revealed that UK retail sales volumes witnessed a modest growth of 8% in May 2024 from a 44% decline in April.