UK retail footfall in July fell 14.2% from three years ago, but retail sales rose 1.6%

According to the BRC (British Retail Consortium ) -Sensormatic IQ data, in July 2022, retail footfall in the UK was 14.2% lower than three years ago . It was 3.7% lower than in June this year , and the average decline over the three months was 12.3% .

Compared to three years ago, foot traffic on the high street fell by 15.9% in July and was 2% lower than in June this year . Foot traffic on retail parks fell by 9.1%, down 1.0 % from June , and foot traffic on shopping centres fell by 24.8%, down 0.7% from June.

Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC chief executive, said: “ After four months of growth , footfall in the UK stagnated in July as record temperatures and rising living costs stopped people visiting their local shops. Retail footfall increased until the last week of July as people stocked up on food and drink ahead of the Women’s European Championship final . ”

Ongoing rail strikes, record-breaking temperatures and economic uncertainty in the UK in July kept consumers away from retail stores, leading to a drop in footfall.

Despite a decline in foot traffic, UK retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year in July 2022, the first increase in five months, as British consumers saw a surge in demand for summer clothing, electric fans and picnic food amid record hot weather .

" Retail sales improved in July as the heatwave boosted sales of hot weather essentials , " said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium. "However, with inflation running at over 9%, many retailers are still struggling with falling sales in what remains an extremely difficult trading period," she added. Analysts said the increase was largely due to inflation, with prices overall significantly higher than the same period last year.

However, this good situation may not last until August. As energy prices and interest rates rise again, the situation may become more difficult. As the cost of living rises , British consumers will have to prioritize necessities, and discretionary product spending will face pressure, leading to a decline in demand . The sharp decline in demand in autumn will inevitably have an adverse impact on the health of the UK retail industry.

UK Retail