High street footfall decreased by 2.7 per cent year-on-year in May, a significant improvement from the 6.9 per cent drop recorded in April. Similarly, retail parks saw a 2.3 per cent decrease in footfall, up from a 6.2 per cent decline the previous month. Shopping centres experienced a 4.5 per cent reduction in footfall, improving from a 7.2 per cent decrease in April.

All UK nations reported a year-on-year decline in footfall for May. Northern Ireland saw a 3 per cent decrease, the smallest drop among the UK nations. England experienced a 3.4 per cent decline, while Wales saw a 5 per cent reduction. Scotland faced the largest decline with a 5.4 per cent drop in footfall, as per BRC.

“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 Olympics, will boost footfall across all major shopping destinations across the UK,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium.

“Retailers were dealt some good news in May, as footfall recovered against the month before. While no one’s denying this improvement is starting from a low base following a gloomy performance in April, many will be hoping that this represents a turning point. And, with inflationary pressures easing and household budgets starting to feel a little less squeezed, along with the optimism that may come with the general election in July, many may be hoping the mood music has shifted key into something more positive,” said Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)