Welsh shopper footfall rises, but retail warnings persist
"Shopping centres and retail parks saw a small uplift but Cardiff city centre fell back a touch on the comparable figures from last year.
"However, this small gain masks deeper concerns - sales of so-called 'non-essential' items remain weak, and the sector continues to tread water.
'Retail's position is increasingly fragile. With statutory costs rising and uncertainty looming over the UK government's upcoming budget and the Welsh Government's business rates proposals, the pressure is mounting.
"Add to that years of sluggish consumer spending and additional government-imposed costs, and the message is clear: without urgent, targeted action to reinvigorate our high streets and reduce business rates, policymakers risk undermining the long-term future of retail.'
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said: 'Total retail footfall for Wales hit 0.4 per cent, ahead of the UK, which remains stubbornly negative at -0.4 per cent.
'The early-July heatwave, following a scorcher in June, may have lifted leisure footfall more than retail, while one year into a new Labour government, consumer sentiment remains cautious.
"The underlying footfall trend may be improving, but UK-wide there is still negative growth on negative 2024 figures - raising the question: are shoppers returning, or simply shopping around more as they try to spend less? Either way, retailers who can offer value, experience, and convenience may be best placed to convert tentative footfall into lasting growth.'
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