UK footfall slumped in February, as consumers were put off shopping by bad weather and train strikes.
Total footfall was down 6.2% year-on-year, from a 2.8% drop the previous month, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ data.
High streets saw the biggest drop, falling 9.3% year-on-year from a 2.3% decline in January while footfall across retail parks slipped 5.8% during the month as shopping centre visitors declined by 7%.
According to the Met Office, nearly a third more rain than usual fell in February, with some parts of the country experiencing record-breaking levels.
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British Retail Consortium CEO Helen Dickinson said: “Footfall experienced its biggest fall since the pandemic. One of the wettest Februarys on record, exacerbated by train strikes at the start of the month, meant shoppers visited fewer stores, with high streets most affected. London, where footfall had been outperforming other major cities in the UK, saw one of the most significant declines.”
The trade association exec added: “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.”
In January, footfall remained strong despite a post-Christmas drop, falling in line with previous years’ post-Christmas performance.
Meanwhile, footfall for the whole of 2023 nudged up 3.3%, despite the cost-of-living crisis, rail strikes and adverse weather.
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