Retailers face slow start to Spring as footfall declines 7.2% in April

Retailers experienced a slow start to Spring as total UK footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from -1.3% in March, according to the latest figures from the BRC.

However, the BRC revealed the figures were slightly distorted due to the earlier Easter which led to tough comparables.

High Street footfall decreased by 6.9% in April (YoY), down from -1.5% in March, while Retail Park footfall decreased by 6.2% in April (YoY), down from -3.5% in March.

Meanwhile, Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 7.2%% in April (YoY), down from 0.3% in March.

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.”