UK retail footfall rises in April; combined data shows modest gain

Total UK footfall increased by 7.2 per cent in April year-on-year (YoY), reversing the 5.4 per cent decline recorded in March. However, this sharp rise is largely attributed to the timing of Easter, which fell in April this year rather than March as it did last year, distorting YoY comparisons, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) & Sensormatic Solutions latest released data.

“April brought a welcome rebound in footfall, with shopper numbers rising +7.2 per cent YoY across all retail destinations. The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores,” Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented.

High Street footfall rose by 5.3 per cent in April after a 4.0 per cent decline in March, while Retail Parks saw a stronger rebound with a 7.5 per cent increase following a 1.2 per cent drop the previous month. Shopping Centres also improved, recording a 5.6 per cent rise after a significant 5.8 per cent decline in March.

"A late Easter and some welcome rays of sunshine encouraged shoppers to head out to their local shopping destinations in April. Adjusting for the late fall of Easter this year, footfall across March and April showed a small but positive trend, with retail parks continuing to perform the strongest out of all locations," Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said in a release.

All UK nations experienced growth in footfall during April, with England reporting a 6.7 per cent increase and Scotland recording a rise of 6.9 per cent. Wales saw a notable surge of 13.6 per cent, and Northern Ireland led the growth with a 14.3 per cent YoY increase.

Despite the strong April figures, the combined data for March and April, released to neutralise the impact of the Easter calendar shift, paints a more subdued picture. Total UK footfall rose by only 0.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, with High Street footfall also increasing by 0.2 per cent. Retail Parks outperformed other locations with a 2.7 per cent rise, but Shopping Centres continued to face difficulties, recording a 0.7 per cent decline.

“Looking at March and April together however, the overall picture for the UK is more balanced, with footfall across the two months up just +0.2 per cent YoY. While this suggests that April’s gains largely offset March’s dip, it also highlights the importance of sustained engagement beyond seasonal peaks. Retailers will now be looking to build on this momentum as we move into the summer months,” added Sumpter.

“The Labour Party pledged to revitalise high streets across the country, however, current proposals to reform the business rate system will lead to higher bills for many anchor stores on our high streets. These businesses drive footfall to key shopping areas and to the many smaller retailers, cafes and other businesses that reside there. If the government wishes to see thriving town and city centres, it must ensure no shop pays more as a result of business rates reform, thereby enabling retailers’ ability to invest in their local communities,” Dickinson added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)