Lack-lustre August as footfall falls again

Retail footfall in August was 1.6 percent lower than a year ago, down from the 1.1 percent fall in July, and below the three-month average of 1.4 percent, as footfall on both the UK high streets and shopping centres continue to fall.

Figures released by the British Retail Consortium and Springboard reveals that high street footfall fell by 2.3 percent during August, while shopping centre centres reported a 2.8 percent decline to reach its lowest level since January excluding Easter distortions.

Meanwhile, footfall in retail parks rose by 1.7 percent, which was the slowest increase since May 2015 and below the three-month average of 2.5 percent.

Nine regions and counties reported a decline in footfall, four of which, including the West Midlands and Wales, had a footfall rate lower than the UK average. The East Midlands was the only region to report positive footfall growth at 0.04 percent.

Helen Dickinson, BRC director general, said: “The continued decline in footfall in shopping centres and on the high street is disappointing, but not surprising. The fact that the number of visitors to retail parks has dipped below the three-month average is also a clear sign of a lack-lustre August.

“However, it is worth noting that these figures do not take into account the last two days of August (the Sunday and Bank holiday Monday) which will, hopefully, add some cheer to the numbers in September.”

Dickinson added: “These numbers are a clear demonstration of the continued pressures the UK retail industry is facing. We know that retailers are steadily maintaining sales but at lower prices and to fewer people visiting physical stores.”