UK footfall begins slow recovery as non essential retailers reopen

With the easing of coronavirus restrictions on retail and some hospitality on 12th April, UK consumers have been returning to their local high streets, shopping centres and retail parks. But it is unlikely we will see a return to pre-pandemic levels of footfall anytime soon.

According to research from BRC and Sensormatic, total UK footfall decreased by 40% in April (Yo2Y), with a 28.7 percentage point improvement from March. This is above the three month average decline of 59.2%.

Footfall on high streets declined by 43.9%. Retail parks saw a decrease of 30.5% and shopping centres -49.8% (Yo2Y).

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at British Retail Consortium, says: “While shops have worked incredibly hard to provide consumers with a safe and enjoyable shopping experience, it is unlikely we will see a return to pre-pandemic levels of footfall anytime soon, as social distancing measures naturally restrict retailers’ capacity.”

“Retail parks continued to fare better than shopping centres and high streets, as they benefit from the presence of large stores, more space and on-site parking. However, it was encouraging to see footfall improve across all retail sites compared to the lockdown months.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, adds: “Retailers will be hoping that the lift in shopper traffic seen during the first few weeks of unlocking can be sustained past pent-up demand in order to fuel long-term recovery.”

“Our research shows an overwhelming amount of consumer support for bricks-and-mortar retail, with 71% of shoppers vowing to make a conscious effort to shop in-store now retail’s reopened, with many having missed the experience of in-store shopping when lockdown shuttered shops and other saying ‘screen fatigue’ had set in.”

“Retailers will be counting on shoppers acting on that sentiment and voting with their feet to support the shops that serve their communities.”