UK shoppers are finally hitting the High Street again — but the recovery is fragile, new figures show. According to BRC-Sensormatic data for January 2026, total footfall across the UK fell just 0.6% year-on-year, a sharp improvement from December’s 2.9% slump.
Retail parks are booming, with visits up 1.1%, as bargain-hunting consumers flocked to free parking spots during the January sales. Shopping centres also fared better, down only 0.8%, while High Streets struggled, dropping 1.9%.
Scotland led the bounce-back, recording a 5.1% jump, and Northern Ireland followed with 3.8% growth. England’s footfall fell 1.4%, and Wales took the hardest hit, down 2.8%.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, “Although footfall dipped slightly in January, it’s a big improvement on the disastrous Christmas period. Northern cities led the way after severe storms hit last year, and retail parks continue to attract shoppers with convenience and free parking.”
Retail consultant Andy Sumpter added, “January offered a welcome reset for UK retail. Shoppers hunted bargains after the festive splurge, despite Storm Goretti disrupting travel. Momentum is possible — retailers who deliver value, experience, and convenience can turn tentative steps into real growth.”
After nine months of declining footfall, some retailers may finally dare to hope for a brighter spring.
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