Retail footfall across the UK rose marginally last week in comparison to the week before with high streets leading the charge, shows a recent report by MRI.
Footfall rose by +0.8 per cent last week from the week before in all UK retail destinations with the greatest rise witnessed in high streets (+2.4 per cent) whereas retail parks experienced a decline of -1.5 per cent and shopping centres remained flat.
According to Jenni Matthews, marketing & insights director at MRI Software, high street footfall was particularly strong at the start of the week likely boosted by the Men’s Euro’s final on Sunday and many communities gathering in pubs or venues showing the game.
Monday was the weakest day in all UK retail destinations which may well be due to many people deciding to work from home or having taken the day off following the football on Sunday. Many stores, retail destinations, businesses and even schools had chosen to open late on Monday regardless of the final result therefore this drop-in activity could be a result of this decision.
The downturn was however short-lived as footfall rose in all UK retail destinations for the remainder of the week primarily due to improved weather conditions.
While footfall remained relatively strong week on week, retail parks and shopping centres witnessed a decline in activity compared to 2023 levels.
Coastal and historic towns felt the benefits of improved weather conditions as footfall rose week on week by +7.8 per cent and +5.3 per cent, respectively. However, the East Midlands, Greater London and North & Yorkshire witnessed modest drops in activity last week from the week before. Scotland (-4.6%) and the South East (-4%) witnessed the greatest declines year on year.
With the onset of the school holidays and more families choosing to vacation abroad this year, retailers should be prepared to see footfall decline over the coming weeks, Matthews said.
Simon Hannah
