Heatwave fails to warm up Welsh high streets as footfall falls again
Covering the four weeks 02 – 29 August 2026
According to WRC-Sensormatic data:
- Welsh footfall decreased by 1.3% in August (YoY), down from 0.0% in July.
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.7% in August (YoY), up from -2.9% in July.
- Retail Park footfall decreased by 0.3% in August (YoY), down from 2.4% in July.
- In August, footfall in Cardiff decreased by 1.9% (YoY), up from -4.2% in July.
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:“The heat may have stayed, but Welsh footfall cooled. August’s 1.3% fall shows that good weather alone is not enough to bring shoppers back when confidence remains under pressure. While this is a much softer decline than some of the sharper drops seen earlier in 2026, it shows that consumer confidence remains fragile. After a flat July, August’s return to negative territory is a reminder that good weather alone is not enough to bring people back into our town and city centres – retailers still need sustained support to drive footfall, boost spending and help Welsh high streets thrive.
“With Members returning to the Senedd this month and the new town centres task force now in place, this must be a moment for action, not delay. Welsh high streets need practical support that tackles the pressures retailers face every day – from business rates and parking to public transport, safety, vacant units and investment in town centre regeneration. The task force must listen to businesses and deliver at pace, with clear commitments that help rebuild confidence, boost footfall and give retailers the conditions to invest and grow.”
Andy Sumpter, head of consulting & analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “August saw Welsh retail footfall remain under pressure, with total visits down -1.3% year-on-year. While still in negative territory, this was a stronger performance than the wider UK, highlighting a degree of resilience despite the challenges facing retail.
“Above-average temperatures may have continued to influence shopper behaviour, although conditions were less extreme than July’s record-breaking heat. While all retail destinations remained negative, Retail Parks proved the most resilient at -0.3%, while retailers within shopping centres fell -1.7%, suggesting consumers remained selective about where and how they shopped.
“With the crucial golden quarter fast approaching, retailers will take some encouragement from Wales’ performance. However, with inflation now at a two-year high and household budgets remaining under pressure, the focus remains on converting footfall into meaningful spend during the industry’s most important trading period.”
MONTHLY TOTAL WELSH RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YoY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YoY)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION