Footfall takes a hit as heatwave pushes shoppers indoors
Covering the five weeks 31 May – 05 July 2026
According to BRC-Sensormatic data:
- Total UK footfall decreased by 3.4% in June (YoY), down from -2.6% in May.
- High Street footfall decreased by 6.2% in June (YoY), down from -1.5% in May.
- Retail Park footfall decreased by 0.3% in June (YoY), up from -0.5% in May.
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 2.5% in June (YoY), down from -2.4% in May.
- Footfall rose by 1.7% (YoY) in Scotland, while all other nations experienced declines. Footfall fell by 0.9% in Northern Ireland, 2.3% in Wales, and 3.0% in England, which saw the largest decrease.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:“Footfall dropped in June as the record heatwave kept many shoppers indoors. High streets saw the sharpest declines, while air-conditioned shopping centres and retail parks proved more resilient. While London and the South East – where temperatures were highest – registered the biggest decline, other regions performed markedly better. Scotland saw footfall rise, buoyed by cooler weather and the continued gradual opening of Glasgow City Centre after March’s devastating Union Corner fire.
“The heatwave may have affected footfall, but retailers face a bigger challenge: rising costs. Businesses are working hard to deliver value for customers, yet higher taxes and regulatory burdens are making it harder to invest, create jobs and grow. Government action on business rates and energy costs would help unlock investment to revive our local communities.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented: “June saw UK retail footfall remain under pressure, with total visits down 3.4% year-on-year, bringing the year-to-date figure down to -3.3% at the halfway point. While the overall trend remains subdued, it continues to reflect a cautious consumer who is making fewer, more considered trips.
“Exceptionally high temperatures are likely to have influenced behaviour, particularly in the South, where record heat and travel disruption made shopping trips less appealing. At the same time, consumer confidence is improving slightly but remains low, with wider uncertainty continuing to weigh on discretionary spend. This is reflected in shopping patterns, with retail footfall at Shopping Centres down 2.5%, while overall visits to Shopping Centres themselves edged up 0.6%, suggesting consumers are still visiting destinations, but engaging more selectively once there.
“While the hopes of some of the nation may be for football to come home, footfall appears to have stayed there at times. With key matches drawing attention – and occasionally keeping shoppers away – retail teams will be hoping that as the tournament moves on, consumers return in force. As we move into H2, the focus remains on converting more deliberate visits into meaningful spend.”
MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION