UK high street footfall experienced a significant decline due to ongoing riots, dropping by 4.8% from 4 to 7 August.
- The decline in foot traffic is attributed to rioting and protests, particularly impactful on 7 August.
- Regional cities outside of London saw the most severe drops, with North & Yorkshire and West Midlands hit hardest.
- The unrest began in Southport, Merseyside, sparked by misinformation about a tragic incident.
- Retailers have responded by closing stores early to safeguard staff amid safety concerns.
UK high street footfall has seen a noticeable decline, dropping by an average of 4.8% over the period from 4 to 7 August. This downturn corresponds with a period of significant unrest, characterised by rioting and protests across several regions. According to data from MRI Software’s On Location Footfall Index, this decline contrasts with an average 2.7% drop observed across all UK retail destinations.
The most pronounced fall in footfall was recorded on 7 August, as high street traffic plummeted by 7.5% in one day. This substantial drop is likely linked to shoppers’ reluctance to visit these areas amidst a new wave of unrest.
Regional areas outside of London experienced the greatest impacts, with North & Yorkshire experiencing a 12.9% decrease, while the West Midlands saw a 10.6% reduction. These figures suggest that these regions are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing disruptions.
The disturbances originated in Southport, Merseyside, triggered by misleading information regarding the identity of an offender involved in a tragic incident where three young girls were fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop on 29 July. This event catalysed further unrest across various towns and cities, with incidents of rioters deploying petrol bombs and engaging in looting reported.
In response to the tumultuous situation, retailers have opted to preemptively close stores early to protect their staff. Emergency meetings have been convened by the British Retail Consortium to provide guidance and ensure appropriate measures are in place to uphold safety standards.
The recent riots have significantly disrupted high street operations, necessitating preventive measures by retailers to ensure safety.
