UK retail footfall continued its downwards trajectory last month, dropping by 1.3%, with high streets and shopping centres most affected, according to research from the BRC and Springboard.

High street footfall declined by 1.9%, whilst shopping centre footfall dropped by 2.2%. “The long-term trend, which has seen footfall decline by an average of 1.7% over the last 12 months, reflects the fact that increasingly cautious consumers are holding back on discretionary spending and not heading out to the shops. Only retail parks, with their combination of activities and shopping, were able to buck the trend,” says Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at British Retail Consortium.

“There is little sign that the stresses on retail will abate any time soon. Stuck between weak demand thanks to Brexit uncertainty, and rising costs resulting from business rates and other public policy costs, many retailers are clearly struggling. The government should take the opportunity to reduce the heavy cost burden holding back retail investment,” she adds.

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