// Footfall declines for 15th consecutive month in February
// UK footfall has declined by 2%
UK footfall declined for the 15th consecutive month in February, making it the weakest month in five years.
READ MORE:
- February retail sales dented by Brexit uncertainty (BRC-Nielsen)
- UK consumer confidence rises despite Brexit uncertainty (GfK)
- Shop price inflation hits 6-year high (BRC-Nielsen)
- Retail sales makes a strong comeback in January (ONS)
- January inflation falls below targets (ONS)
- Online sales off to a sluggish start for the year
The BRC recorded a two per cent decline in overall footfall last month, compared to a 0.2 per cent fall in the same period last year.
For the high street, the BRC reported a footfall decline of 1.9 per cent compared to a 1.2 per cent fall in the same period last year. This marked seven consecutive months of decline.
Meanwhile, footfall at retail parks declined by 0.8 per cent, making it a sharp decline compared to a growth of 1.4 per cent last year.
Shopping centre footfall declined by 3.4 per cent, compared to a 0.9 per cent fall in the same period last year.
“These figures echo the month’s poor retail sales figures, which saw weak growth, particularly in bricks-and-mortar stores,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.
“While real incomes have been rising over the last year, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit appears to be driving a needs-not-wants approach top shopping.
“Things could get a lot worse unless the government is able to avoid a calamitous no deal Brexit.
“Such a scenario would likely result in higher costs, higher prices and less choice for consumers – all of which would further harm struggling retailers.
“The government must act to protect both consumers and retailers by ensuring there is no chance of a no deal Brexit.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
