According to BRC-Sensormatic data, extreme heat suppressed shopper footfall during June, with total UK footfall decreasing by -1.8% YoY, down from -1.7% in May.
High street footfall decreased by -3.0% YoY, retail park footfall by -1.1%, and shopping centre footfall by -1.6%.
Once more, footfall decreased YoY across all nations: down -1.4% in England, -3.0% in Scotland, -3.3% in Wales, and -5.2% in Northern Ireland.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations.
"High streets were particularly affected as extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms, discouraging visits.
"Subdued consumer sentiment means shoppers remain cautious – making it increasingly difficult for retailers to generate strong footfall into their stores. However, there were more encouraging signs in some parts of the UK, with Manchester and Birmingham recording positive footfall for the third consecutive month. This is thanks to popular new shops opening and major concerts drawing in crowds."
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, adds: “June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record – but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival. Total UK footfall was down -1.8% YoY, a gentler drop than the -2.3% seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline.
"One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum – especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.”
