Early June UK footfall makes dreariest reading since Easter high
As we stepped into June, there was no bright news to cheer UK retail on the footfall front. Numbers declined last week (1-7 June) from the previous week, the sharpest week-on-week decline experienced since the seven days that followed the Easter period.
Overall, weekly footfall in UK retail destinations weakened by 8%, especially noticeable in shopping centres (-10.4%) with high streets following closely behind (-9%). Retail parks witnessed a more modest decline in activity at -3.5%.
Despite strong week-on-week declines, annual trends 'remained optimistic' in retail parks (+1.8%) and shopping centres (+0.3%) whereas high streets continued to see footfall decline for the second consecutive week (-5.3%) 'which could reflect the change in weather conditions and a shift in commuter patterns'.
But the declines weren't a shock following a strong half-term for all UK retail destinations and it 'could be a sign of footfall stabilising rather than a cause for concern', reported MRI Software.
As routines resumed and weather conditions became less favourable, activity levels dropped across all UK retail destinations. Footfall declined each day last week except for Monday where there was a marginal uplift driven by a strong rebound in high street activity.
However, footfall from Wednesday to Friday averaged double-digit declines 'driven by a steep drop in visitors to shopping centres'.
The sharpest declines were seen in leisure-led destinations and regional hubs, 'suggesting a clear shift from seasonal spikes to stabilising footfall'.
Coastal and historic towns saw the greatest week on week drop in footfall suggesting people had returned to work and school. This was also replicated in regional cities outside of London and office-dense locations within Central London. Trends also remained marginally lower compared to 2024 in these locations.
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Fashion Network
4 hours ago
- Fashion Network
Early June UK footfall makes dreariest reading since Easter high
As we stepped into June, there was no bright news to cheer UK retail on the footfall front. Numbers declined last week (1-7 June) from the previous week, the sharpest week-on-week decline experienced since the seven days that followed the Easter period. Overall, weekly footfall in UK retail destinations weakened by 8%, especially noticeable in shopping centres (-10.4%) with high streets following closely behind (-9%). Retail parks witnessed a more modest decline in activity at -3.5%. Despite strong week-on-week declines, annual trends 'remained optimistic' in retail parks (+1.8%) and shopping centres (+0.3%) whereas high streets continued to see footfall decline for the second consecutive week (-5.3%) 'which could reflect the change in weather conditions and a shift in commuter patterns'. But the declines weren't a shock following a strong half-term for all UK retail destinations and it 'could be a sign of footfall stabilising rather than a cause for concern', reported MRI Software. As routines resumed and weather conditions became less favourable, activity levels dropped across all UK retail destinations. Footfall declined each day last week except for Monday where there was a marginal uplift driven by a strong rebound in high street activity. However, footfall from Wednesday to Friday averaged double-digit declines 'driven by a steep drop in visitors to shopping centres'. The sharpest declines were seen in leisure-led destinations and regional hubs, 'suggesting a clear shift from seasonal spikes to stabilising footfall'. Coastal and historic towns saw the greatest week on week drop in footfall suggesting people had returned to work and school. This was also replicated in regional cities outside of London and office-dense locations within Central London. Trends also remained marginally lower compared to 2024 in these locations.
Fashion Network
4 hours ago
- Fashion Network
Early June UK footfall makes dreariest reading since Easter high
As we stepped into June, there was no bright news to cheer UK retail on the footfall front. Numbers declined last week (1-7 June) from the previous week, the sharpest week-on-week decline experienced since the seven days that followed the Easter period. Overall, weekly footfall in UK retail destinations weakened by 8%, especially noticeable in shopping centres (-10.4%) with high streets following closely behind (-9%). Retail parks witnessed a more modest decline in activity at -3.5%. Despite strong week-on-week declines, annual trends 'remained optimistic' in retail parks (+1.8%) and shopping centres (+0.3%) whereas high streets continued to see footfall decline for the second consecutive week (-5.3%) 'which could reflect the change in weather conditions and a shift in commuter patterns'. But the declines weren't a shock following a strong half-term for all UK retail destinations and it 'could be a sign of footfall stabilising rather than a cause for concern', reported MRI Software. As routines resumed and weather conditions became less favourable, activity levels dropped across all UK retail destinations. Footfall declined each day last week except for Monday where there was a marginal uplift driven by a strong rebound in high street activity. However, footfall from Wednesday to Friday averaged double-digit declines 'driven by a steep drop in visitors to shopping centres'. The sharpest declines were seen in leisure-led destinations and regional hubs, 'suggesting a clear shift from seasonal spikes to stabilising footfall'. Coastal and historic towns saw the greatest week on week drop in footfall suggesting people had returned to work and school. This was also replicated in regional cities outside of London and office-dense locations within Central London. Trends also remained marginally lower compared to 2024 in these locations.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Fashion Network
May footfall fell flat but June looks promising, says MRI Software
Weekend footfall also fell for the second consecutive month, by 1.8% overall compared to 2024 levels. However, weekday footfall in May rose slightly (+0.3%) compared to last year 'which continues to support the changes in consumer behaviour; as the return to office remains strong, it may suggest that people are also visiting retail stores and destinations on the days they go into the office'. This is further reinforced by MRI Software's 'Central London Back to Office' benchmark that recorded a 2.4% uplift in weekday activity. The slight rise last month in shopping centres and retail parks was 'further evidence that consumers are likely more drawn towards the convenience factor of all-in-one destinations that offer more than just retail'. Larger shopping centres (over 500,000 sq ft) benefitted greatly from the half-term boost, recording an 8.4% increase in footfall from the week prior, 'and again indicates the attraction of retail destinations that offer leisure, hospitality and retail under one roof'. Info from MRI Software's 'Insights from the Inside' also saw 61.2% of retailers reporting lower sales during the early May bank holiday compared to last year, with 65.8% expecting softer trading through the half-term break. Also, rising operational costs are beginning to bite, 'and the knock-on effect is being felt at the till as higher prices are passed on to consumers, adding to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures' it said. And the forecast for June? With a packed calendar of music and sporting events, including Beyoncé's visit to London and the return of Wimbledon tennis, 'UK cities are expected to see substantial footfall surges if historical trends are anything to go by'. It added: 'Retail leaders are encouraged to analyse last summer's trends and ensure they are operationally ready to maximise this opportunity. As consumer habits continue to shift towards retail destinations that offer more than just shopping – a blend of retail with food, entertainment and experience may well remain front of mind for families. 'The challenge now is to sustain that momentum from the May half-term holiday into June and beyond.'
