‘Extreme weather’ led to a ‘decline in footfall’ across the retail sector

Covering the five weeks 01 Jun – 05 Jul 2025 the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Sensomatic data has revealed that the UK’s total footfall decreased by 1.8% in June (YoY), down from -1.7% in May.

High Street footfall decreased by 3.0% in June (YoY), down from -2.5% in May and retail park footfall decreased by 1.1% in June (YoY), down from 0.2% in May.

The BRC’s data also revealed on Friday that shopping centre footfall decreased by 1.6% in June (YoY), up from -2.3% in May.

Once more, footfall decreased year-on-year across all nations: down 1.4% in England, 3.0% in Scotland, 3.3% in Wales, and the largest decrease of 5.2% in Northern Ireland.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, “Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations. High streets were particularly affected as extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms, discouraging visits.

“Subdued consumer sentiment means shoppers remain cautious – making it increasingly difficult for retailers to generate strong footfall into their stores. However, there were more encouraging signs in some parts of the UK, with Manchester and Birmingham recording positive footfall for the third consecutive month. This is thanks to popular new shops opening and major concerts drawing in crowds.

The Government formed a year ago promising to reinvigorate our high streets. However, footfall remains negative, with retailers struggling to invest more in local stores due to the rising costs from the last Budget. This is compounded by an outdated, broken business rates system in urgent need of reform.

While we welcome Government’s plans to reform rates, it is essential that the changes leave no shop paying more. In doing so, the Government can ease the pressure on high streets, enabling greater investment in our towns and cities, something local communities desperately need.

Andy Sumpter, retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormati said, “June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record—but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival. Total UK footfall was down -1.8% year-on-year, a gentler drop than the -2.3% seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline. High Streets fell -3.0%, while Retail Parks and Shopping Centres dipped -1.1% and -1.6% respectively.

One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum—especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.