Sluggish footfall shows why retail needs Budget boost
Covering the four weeks 02 – 29 August 2026
According to BRC-Sensormatic data:
Total UK footfall decreased by 1.7% in August (YoY), up from -2.1% in July.
- High Street footfall decreased by 3.1% in August (YoY), up from -3.8% in July.
- Retail Park footfall increased by 1.0% in August (YoY), down slightly from 1.2% in July.
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 0.5% in August (YoY), up from -1.4% in July.
Footfall decreased by 0.1% (YoY) in Scotland, 1.3% in Wales, and by 2.1% in England, and increased by 2.8% in Northern Ireland.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Footfall improved on the previous month, though still down on last year. The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items. Retail parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows high streets face an uphill battle.
“Retailers don’t need warm words, they need lower costs. With his first Budget weeks away, chancellor Healey has a chance to throw Britain’s high streets a lifeline. Retail faces cost pressures and households are watching every penny. Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment, and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.”
Andy Sumpter, head of consulting & analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “August delivered a modest improvement for UK retail footfall, with total visits down -1.7% year-on-year. While still firmly in negative territory, this marks a welcome improvement on both July and June, suggesting the pace of decline may be beginning to ease. However, it is worth remembering that this remains negative growth against last year’s already modest performance, underlining the continued pressure facing retailers.
“This performance was once again driven by retail parks, which recorded growth of +1.0%, making them the only retail destination to attract more visitors than a year ago. High atreets remained under the greatest pressure at -3.1%, while shopping centres were comparatively resilient at -0.5%. Above-average temperatures may have continued to influence behaviour, although conditions were less extreme than July’s record-breaking heat. Meanwhile, rising inflation, now at a two-year high, is likely placing renewed pressure on disposable incomes.
“With the industry’s most important trading period fast approaching, there are reasons for cautious encouragement, but not complacency. England continues to lag the other home nations, weighing on the overall UK result. The challenge for retailers remains unchanged: converting a modest improvement in footfall into meaningful spend as the industry’s most important trading season draws nearer.”
MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION