Whole footfall decreased by 5.4% 12 months on 12 months in March, down from 0.2% in February. Excessive road footfall was down by 4% 12 months on 12 months in March, down from 0.1% in February.
Retail park footfall fell by 1.2% 12 months on 12 months in March, down from 2% in February.
Purchasing centre footfall declined by 5.8% 12 months on 12 months in March, down from 0.1% in February.
Footfall fell 12 months on 12 months throughout all nations throughout the month. There was a 4.9% decline in England, a 6.6% decline in Scotland, an 8.3% decline in Wales, with Northern Eire experiencing the most important drop of 9.9%.
Helen Dickinson, CEO, BRC, mentioned: “With Easter falling in April this 12 months, footfall in March couldn’t examine to final 12 months when households had been already having fun with their Easter holidays.
“Regardless of this, footfall in retail parks held up higher than different areas because the increasing provide of hospitality and leisure retailers alongside retail, along with free parking, attracted extra consumers. Equally, London noticed solely a minor dip in footfall in comparison with different elements of the nation.
“World uncertainties ensuing from tariffs and a possible financial slowdown might cut back the urge for food for purchasing journeys within the coming months. The federal government should discover methods to spice up shopper confidence and guarantee retailers can spend money on jobs and shops.
“The upcoming enterprise charges reform, geared toward supporting excessive streets might make the scenario worse for 1000’s of retail shops caught by the proposed new, greater threshold. For this reason it’s vital that no retailer pays extra because of these reforms.”
Andy Sumpter, retail guide EMEA, Sensormatic, additionally mentioned: “With Easter this 12 months touchdown in April, a few of the downturn in retailer visits in March might have been from customers withholding Easter spend. Retailers will now be hoping that sturdy Easter buying and selling can assist stability out a sluggish begin to spring.”
