June delivers rollercoaster ride for UK physical retailers

Total UK footfall decreased by 10.5% in June (Yo3Y), a 2.0 percentage point improvement from May, according to research from the BRC and Sensormatic Solutions.

This is better than the three-month average decline of 11.8%. And it is ahead of Germany (-19.4%), Italy (-21.6%) and France (-23.5%) in June (Yo3Y).

High streets (-13.9%), retail parks (-8.1%) (Yo3Y), and shopping centres (-24.1%) all saw decreases during June.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, says: “The cost-of-living crisis appears to be driving more people to shop around for the best deals both online and in-store, with the number of visits to individual shops rising in June.”

“This was boosted by the Jubilee celebrations and summer heatwave, which more than compensated for the impact of the rail strikes on city centre footfall. However, this has not translated into in-store and online sales, with volumes down significantly in recent months as consumers tightened their belts.”

“Rising inflation, particularly soaring energy costs, is limiting customer spending power and damaging consumer confidence. This is only set to worsen in October as the energy price cap rises and the colder weather increases usage.”

“With many people struggling, retailers are doing all they can to support their most vulnerable customers – from expanding value ranges to offering discounts to vulnerable groups, raising staff pay and investing in lower prices for the future.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, comments: “June delivered a rollercoaster ride for the high street – the highs of the ‘Jubilee Jump’ in footfall where retailers benefitted from the beginning of the month was, in part, derailed by the rail strikes as some shoppers stayed at home to avoid travel disruption.”

“This mixed bag of footfall performance will do little to allay retailers’ concerns as the cost-of-living and inflationary pressures continue to weigh heavy in the public consciousness.”

“Retailers will be hoping that even if consumers shop less frequently, they will be more considered in their purchases to drive up conversion when they do come into store.”

UK retailStaff WriterUK retail, High streets, Retail parks, Shopping centres, Physical retailers, Stores, British Retail Consortium, Sensormatic Solutions, Cost of living crisis, Platinum JubileeComment