Slow start to summer shopping

Total UK footfall decreased by 1.7% in May (YoY), down from +7.2% in April.

High Street footfall decreased by 2.5% in May (YoY), down from +5.3% in April.

Retail Park footfall increased by 0.2% in May (YoY), down from +7.5% in April.

Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 2.3% in May (YoY), down from +5.6% in April.

Footfall decreased year-on-year across all nations: down 0.4% in Wales, 0.7% in Scotland, 1.4% in Northern Ireland, and the largest decrease of 2.0% in England.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, “Despite favourable weather throughout May, footfall took a disappointing turn last month, following a more promising start to the year.

“While stock markets stabilised, higher household bills depressed consumer sentiment and the appetite to visit retail stores. Retail Parks performed the best of all locations, though only registering a slight uptick in shopper traffic. There was also positive news in the North West, as Manchester’s string of summer activities solidified its position as one of the top-performing English cities.

“Retailers work hard to deliver vibrant, engaging shopping experiences that attract customers and boost footfall across the UK. However, the Chancellor’s 2024 Budget added £5 billion to the industry’s costs, hampering their ability to do so.

“The Government must now ensure that upcoming reforms to business rates to be announced in the 2025 Budget leave no shop paying more. These reforms should support and incentivise, rather than penalise, the investment needed to revitalise our high streets and town centres.

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic added, May’s footfall figures showed a modest decline, with total UK retail visits down -1.7% year-on-year.

“High Streets and Shopping Centres saw similar drops of -2.5% and -2.3% respectively, while Retail Parks edged up slightly by +0.2%, continuing to demonstrate their resilience.

“Despite the warm and sunny weather—more typical of peak summer than late spring—footfall didn’t quite follow suit, suggesting that consumers may have favoured outdoor leisure over shopping.

“Still, May’s result is a marked improvement on the -3.6% seen in the same month last year and reflects a more stable trend in 2025 overall.

“Encouragingly, consumer sentiment has shown signs of improvement, with more shoppers feeling optimistic about their personal finances and the wider economy. Notwithstanding ongoing cost pressures, retailers will be looking to make hay while the sun shines—focusing on the right mix of experience, value, and convenience to convert seasonal footfall into sustained growth.”