The British Retail Consortium (BRC) emphasises urgent reforms to the planning system and business rates.
- UK footfall decreased by 2.3% in June, following a larger decline in May.
- Shopping centres and high streets saw the most significant drops in footfall numbers.
- Retailers are hopeful that summer events will improve consumer visits.
- BRC advocates for policy changes to stimulate local high street recovery.
In June, the UK experienced a 2.3% decline in total footfall, reflecting ongoing challenges in the retail landscape. This decrease followed a 3.6% drop in May, highlighting a trend that is causing concern among retailers nationwide.
Shopping centres faced the most significant year-on-year decline with a 3.2% reduction, closely followed by high streets, which recorded a 3.1% decrease. Retail parks showed greater resilience but still saw a slight decline of 0.4%. These figures underscore the broader struggles faced by the retail industry.
All regions of the UK, except Scotland, witnessed a reduction in footfall during June. Wales experienced the steepest decline at 4.1%, England saw a 2.6% drop, and Northern Ireland recorded a marginal decrease of 0.6%. In contrast, footfall in cities like Edinburgh and Liverpool received a boost, attributed to events such as Taylor Swift concerts attracting crowds.
BRC’s Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson, expressed optimism that upcoming warm weather and potential positive results in the European Championships could catalyse footfall growth in July. Her statement, “Footfall levels in Edinburgh and Liverpool were boosted as Taylor Swift enchanted crowds of fans,” captures the sentiment of hope within the retail sector.
As the UK government forms new leadership, the BRC insists that addressing the issues confronting local communities is vital within the first 100 days. They propose a fast-track planning system offering automatic approvals in select cases, paired with business rates reform, as necessary measures. These initiatives are aimed at revitalising town and city centres, enabling retailers to invest effectively across the country.
Reforming planning processes and business rates is integral to reinvigorating the UK’s retail sector.
