Retail footfall wilts as temperatures soar - BRC
By Abigail Townsend
Date: Friday 11 Jul 2025
(Sharecast News) - Retail footfall eased across UK high streets in June, industry data showed on Friday, as extreme heat and heavy downpours put off shoppers.
According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic footfall monitor, total UK footfall decreased by 1.8% last month, compounding May's 1.7% decline.
The biggest slide was seen on the high street, where footfall decreased by 3.0%.
But there were also fewer people heading to retail parks and shopping centres, with footfall down 1.1% and 1.6% respectively.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month.
"High streets were particularly affected, as extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms, discouraging visits."
Dickinson noted that subdued consumer sentiment was also a problem for retailers, as shoppers remained reluctant to splash out amid ongoing domestic and global economic uncertainty.
However, some towns and cities performed better overall, with Manchester and Birmingham in particular benefiting from new shop openings and big name music concerts.
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA at Sensormatic, said: "June delivered heatwaves, storms and what could be the hottest June on record.
"One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet.
"That said, the rate of decline is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum."
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