UK's retail footfall rises 1.8% in July 2023: BRC

High streets led the recovery with a 1.6 per cent YoY increase in footfall for July, marking a leap from June's modest 0.6 per cent growth. Retail parks, which had suffered a decline of 2.6 per cent in June, bounced back with a 1.4 per cent rise in July. Meanwhile, shopping centres, despite facing a significant dip of 4.2 per cent in June, managed a turnaround with a modest 0.2 per cent increase in July, as per BRC.

Adding to the trend, other retail destinations, such as outlet sites, reported a significant spike. They experienced an 8.6 per cent increase in footfall, shedding light on evolving consumer shopping behaviours.

Delving into regional specifics, Scotland emerged as the front-runner in footfall improvements. It boasted a robust 5.9 per cent YoY increase, outpacing other UK nations. England and Northern Ireland followed suit, posting increases of 1.8 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively. In contrast, Wales experienced a slight decline, with footfall dipping by 0.1 per cent YoY.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "July saw modest growth in footfall numbers in all locations across most major cities in the UK, with Scotland and the Northeast leading the way. The rainy start to the summer holidays drove many people off the streets and into the shops, in contrast to last year's heatwave, which kept people outside in the sun.

“The recovery in international tourism continues to drive shopper numbers up in major cities. The government should capitalise on this by reintroducing a tax-free shopping scheme, as exists in all other European Union countries. This would encourage more visitors and stimulate more spending, boosting economic growth and employment.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)