UK retail sees more shoppers in August than July, but fewer than two years ago

The BRC’s figures for August continued to compare footfall with the same month two years ago, as comparisons with last year are judged to be less statistically relevant because of the pandemic.

Total UK football decreased by 18% compared to August 2019, although it was 10% up on July.

In the two year comparison Wales saw the shallowest footfall decline of all regions at -16.5%, followed by Northern Ireland at -16.6% and England at -17.9%. Scotland saw the deepest decline at -21.2%.

The two year decline was particularly severe in shopping centres (32.9%) and high streets (24.8%), with retail parks much less severely hit with a relatively modest 1.6% decline.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Following months of little improvement, August footfall was a tentative step in the right direction. There were minor improvements with the return of some workers to the office and domestic tourism through August, however overall footfall remained significantly down compared to the pre-pandemic peak.

“For our local communities to thrive, Government must deliver on the commitment it made in the business rates review to reduce the overall burden of the tax, which is hindering retailers’ ability to invest and create jobs and is leading to store closures across the country. It is vital the government delivers on this commitment when it publishes the conclusion of its review over the coming months.”