BRC: Slow start to spring as footfall declines

This year, the run-up to Easter was in March, while last year the run-up was in April. This calendar change distorts the year on year footfall comparisons – with results artificially higher in March and lower in April. For context, the first table below shows a combined March and April, cancelling out this distortion.

Covering the four weeks 31 March 2024 – 27 April 2024
According to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data: 

• Total UK footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from -1.3% in March.
  
  
  • High Street footfall decreased by 6.9% in April (YoY), down from -1.5% in March.
    
    
  • Retail Park footfall decreased by 6.2% in April (YoY), down from -3.5% in March.
    
    
  • Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 7.2%% in April (YoY), down from 0.3% in March.

• All UK nations saw a fall in footfall year on year:
  • Scotland decreased by 3.6% YoY – the smallest drop in footfall
  • England decreased by 7.4% YoY
  • Wales decreased by 8.1% YoY
  • Northern Ireland decreased by 11.1% YoY – the largest drop in footfall

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“While UK footfall was impacted by poor weather last month, this was artificially exacerbated by the comparison with 2023, when Easter was in April. All locations saw declines on the previous month, and nearly all major cities performed similarly poorly. However, there was good news in Edinburgh, where footfall was positive once again owing to the investment in local shopping locations in the Scottish capital over the past few years.

“It is now vital that elected councillors, mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners all play their part in designing the right planning, transport and neighbourhood safety policies to create thriving shopping destinations in communities across the country. These actions, locally and nationally, can contribute to boosting footfall and revitalising retail centres.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented:
“After an early Easter fuelled improved footfall performance in March, there is little doubt lacklustre levels of store visits in April will have come as a blow for many retailers. Whilst a drop in traffic may have been expected due to Easter falling early and the May bank holiday falling late, this will have been of little consolation. An exceptionally wet April also seems to have dampened many shoppers' appetite for spending, especially in outlet and outdoor focused retailers. However, with financial pressures starting to ease for some, and indications of growing consumer confidence being reported, we will have to look forward to May to see if that filters through to improved in-store shopping.”

MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)

UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)

COMBINED MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY