UK high street footfall in decline

Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show high street footfall last month was 2.8% lower than the same period last year. Shopping centres also saw a lower footfall, with a decline of 2.4%.

Retail parks, however, saw a rise of 2.8% in June: the 18th successive month in which the sector recorded an increase. The BRC attributes this to them attracting more click and collect shoppers.

Overall, these figures accounted for a 1.5% decline in retail footfall in the UK.

“The fundamental shift in the way people are shopping seems to be driving the sustained reduction in shopper numbers to both high streets and shopping centres,” said BRC director general, Helen Dickinson.

“This is a clear demonstration that the reinvention of the high street is far from complete. The process of creating multi-use destinations in the heart of our towns and cities needs to continue in earnest if people are going to be drawn back to the high street.

“This has happened in some areas, but the energy and effort behind sharing best practice needs to be redoubled.”