UK retail footfall declines again in hot July, BRC reports
(Alliance News) - The decline in UK retail footfall slowed in July, as continued "extreme temperatures" kept shoppers indoors, the British Retail Consortium reported on Friday.
According to BRC-Sensormatic data, covering the period from July 5 to August 1, total UK footfall decreased by 2.1% year-on-year in July, compared with June's 3.4% decline.
High Street footfall decreased by 3.8%, against June's fall of 6.2%. Retail Park footfall increased by 1.2%, up from a 0.3% decrease. Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.4%, versus a 2.5% decline previously.
Footfall dropped by 3.0% in England, with a 5.3% fall in London, and showed no change in Wales. However, it increased by 2.7% in Scotland and 2.6% in Northern Ireland.
"The heatwave continued to bear down on retail footfall in July, with high streets worst affected," BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson commented. "London was hit particularly hard as soaring temperatures made tube and train travel less attractive, with some commuters and shoppers opting to stay home.
"Nonetheless, it was still an improvement on the previous month's figures, when record-breaking sunshine saw footfall fall by an even bigger margin."
Sensormatic's EMEA Head of Consulting & Analytics Andy Sumpter added: "While the UK has yet another new prime minister, retail is yet to experience any meaningful 'Burnham Bounce'.
"For retailers, the focus remains on converting these more selective visits into meaningful spend as the summer progresses."
By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter
Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
More In Markets
Worried About a Stock Market Bubble? Here Are 5 Ways to Stay Invested
Why This Top T. Rowe Bond Manager Thinks Yields Can Keep Going Higher
