Footfall fell over the five weeks from 31 May to 5 July, amid the record heatwave in June. 

Total UK footfall decreased by 3.4 per cent in June year-over-year (YoY), down from -2.6 per cent in May, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic data.

High street footfall dipped 6.2 per cent YoY in June, from -1.5 per cent the month before.

Retail park footfall dropped by 0.3 per cent in June YoY, from -0.5 per cent in May.

Additionally, shopping centre footfall slumped by 2.5 per cent YoY in June, from -2.4 per cent the month prior.

However, footfall rose by 1.7 per cent YoY in Scotland, while all other nations experienced declines. 

Footfall fell by 0.9 per cent in Northern Ireland, 2.3 per cent in Wales, and 3.0 per cent in England, which saw the largest decrease.

British Retail Consortium CEO Helen Dickinson said: “Footfall dropped in June as the record heatwave kept many shoppers indoors. 

“High streets saw the sharpest declines, while air-conditioned shopping centres and retail parks proved more resilient. 

“While London and the South East – where temperatures were highest – registered the biggest decline, other regions performed markedly better.” 

The trade association boss continued: “Scotland saw footfall rise, buoyed by cooler weather and the continued gradual opening of Glasgow City Centre after March’s devastating Union Corner fire.

“The heatwave may have affected footfall, but retailers face a bigger challenge: rising costs. 

“Businesses are working hard to deliver value for customers, yet higher taxes and regulatory burdens are making it harder to invest, create jobs and grow. 

“Government action on business rates and energy costs would help unlock investment to revive our local communities.”

Sensormatic retail consultant EMEA Andy Sumpter said: “June saw UK retail footfall remain under pressure, with total visits down 3.4% year-on-year, bringing the year-to-date figure down to -3.3% at the halfway point. 

“While the overall trend remains subdued, it continues to reflect a cautious consumer who is making fewer, more considered trips.

“Exceptionally high temperatures are likely to have influenced behaviour, particularly in the South, where record heat and travel disruption made shopping trips less appealing.” 

He added: “At the same time, consumer confidence is improving slightly but remains low, with wider uncertainty continuing to weigh on discretionary spend. 

“This is reflected in shopping patterns, with retail footfall at shopping centres down 2.5%, while overall visits to shopping centres themselves edged up 0.6%, suggesting consumers are still visiting destinations, but engaging more selectively once there.”

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