Retail footfall returned to growth in March but fell short of expectations
UK retail footfall returned to growth in March but failed to meet expectations, despite Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year.
According to BRC-Sensormatic data, total footfall increased by 2.4% year-on-year, up from a 4.7% decline in February.
Subscribe to TRBShopping centres saw the highest uplift at 2.6% while retail parks and high streets recorded respective increases of 2.5% and 2%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered.
“Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well, but overall growth fell short of expectations.
“Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed.”
Footfall increased year-on-year across all nations with growth of 1.6% in Wales, 2.3% in England, 3.2% in Scotland, and 4.9% in Northern Ireland.
Looking ahead, Dickinson said: “The conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on both retailer and consumer confidence, with further pressure on the cost of living potentially likely to hit footfall.
“Government can play its part supporting households by easing pressures created by domestic policy costs.
“Cutting these costs would free up retailers to invest more in value, experience and their in-store offer – the things that help footfall and create more vibrant local economies.”
