Retail footfall fell for the twelfth consecutive month in July as summer holidays and election uncertainty weighed on consumer spend.
Total UK shopper visitors dropped 3.3% last month, up from a decline of 2.3% in June, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported.
Shopping centre’s were the hardest hit destinations, falling another 3.9% in July, down from -3.9% the month before.
High Street footfall decreased 2.7%, up from the -3.1% in June, while retail park visitor numbers slipped 0.8%, compared to -0.4% in May.
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All four of the UK nations saw a drop in footfall year-on-year, with England visitor numbers dropping the largest at -3.4%, followed closely by Wales at -3.2%.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Footfall declined for the twelfth consecutive month, failing to maintain the buoyancy seen in 2022/23.
“As summer got into full swing, many people have chosen to increase their spending on holidays and leisure activities rather than shopping. Election week also saw particularly weak footfall, as political electioneering peaked, creating uncertainty for many consumers.
“With the election now over, many retailers will be making decisions about how and where to invest in the coming years. Retailers welcomed Labour’s promises to reform both business rates and planning laws – two major factors that often hold back much needed local investment. If Labour can address these effectively, they could help breathe new life into retail destinations.”
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