UK February footfall hit by rainy weather

Footfall in the UK saw a steep drop over the course of last month, with one of the wettest Februarys on record steering consumers clear of the region’s shopping districts.

Over the four weeks from January 28 to February 24, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported that the total UK footfall decreased by 6.2 percent year-on-year, down from the minus 2.8 percent in the month prior.

High streets took the biggest hit, falling 9.3 percent, down from minus 2.3 percent in January, while retail parks took the lowest hit, decreasing 5.8 percent. For shopping centres, meanwhile, footfall fell 7 percent in February, down from 5 percent in January.

Scotland saw the smallest YoY drop at 3.2 percent, while Wales saw the largest at an 8 percent fall. England’s footfall decreased by 6.6 percent, followed by Northern Ireland at minus 7.1 percent.

The CEO of the BRC, Helen Dickinson, said that, next to the rainy weather, train strikes at the start of the month also impacted figures, particularly that of the high street.

She continued: “With these figures showing the UK underperforming compared to other developed markets, it’s time the government took action to drive tourist footfall and spending across the UK.

“Since the end of VAT-free shopping for tourists in 2021, the UK has been at a competitive disadvantage compared to its European counterparts. With footfall in major hubs trending downwards in recent months, the chancellor must reinstate VAT-free shopping in his budget to support businesses and jobs across the UK.”