Footfall down 1.5 percent in June

UK footfall in June was 1.5 percent lower than a year ago, and follows a 1 percent fall in May, according figures released by the British Retail Consortium and Springboard in the monthly footfall monitor.

The figures revealed that both shopping centres and high streets reported a decline, falling 2.4 percent and 2.8 percent respectively. While footfall in retail parks fared the best with a 2.8 percent increase year-on-year, which was an improvement on the 1.4 percent rise seen in May.

All regions in the UK saw a decline in footfall in June, however, the worst hit were Northern Ireland and Wales, both reported notable declines in footfall, down 3.5 percent and 3.0 percent respectively.

BRC director general, Helen Dickinson, said: “Retail parks have seen another increase in shopper numbers this month – which is good news for the retailers operating in these areas. However, the fundamental shift in the way people are shopping seems to be driving the sustained reduction in shopper numbers to both high streets and shopping centres.

“This is a clear demonstration that the re-invention of the high street is far from complete. The process of creating multi-use destinations in the heart of our towns and cities needs to continue in earnest if people are going to be drawn back to the high street. This has happened in some areas, but the energy and effort behind sharing best practice needs to be redoubled.”