High street footfall rebounds in August

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 20, 2016

UK high streets experienced a slight uplift in August after a two month decline, reporting a 1.1% increase, according to the BRC – Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor.

Despite the footfall increase, retail sales for the same month fell, suggesting that people are being drawn to the high streets for reasons other than to shop. 

“Driving the overall rise on the high street is an increase in footfall post 5pm, which highlights the growing evening economy based on leisure activities – hospitality, food and beverage trips – and is a result of a markedly improved and expanded offering by shopping destinations,” said Diane Wehrle, Springboard Marketing and Insights Director.

Footfall in retail parks increased by 0.4%, while footfall across shopping centres fell by 1.9% in August.

Overall, UK footfall was up 0.1% year-on-year and represented an improvement on the 0.4% fall in July. It is the third time this year that overall footfall increases, however Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium said retailers should remain cautious for the coming months.