London records steepest drop in footfall since April 2024
London has recorded its steepest drop in footfall since April 2024, as wet weather throughout February discouraged shoppers from heading out.
Total UK footfall decreased by 4.7% year-on-year in February, down from -0.6% in January, as shoppers avoided in-store visits during one of the wettest Februaries on record, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)
High streets and shopping centres were hit hardest by the bleak weather.
Footfall in shopping centres fell by 5.5% in February compared to last year, down from -0.8% in January, followed closely by footfall on the high street, which decreased by 5.4% in February compared to the year before, and down from -1.9% in January. Retail park footfall saw a slightly less severe drop, decreasing by 3.1% in February year-on-year, down from 1.1% in January.
The exceptionally heavy rainfall, which was well above the seasonal average, instead drove customers to shop more online for "convenience and shelter from the downpours".
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)
Footfall fell across all nations, with Wales seeing the largest decrease of 5.8%. However, some northern cities such as Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh proved more resilient and saw slightly less severe dips in footfall, with the BRC speculating that shoppers are "more used to the weather".
CBI's monthly distributive trades survey from February had also noted that retailers had attributed wet weather to discouraging shoppers from visiting stores, showing a rapid fall in retail sales volumes in the year to February (-43% compared to -17% in January).
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said: "While the Government can’t control the weather, it can help turn footfall around by incentivising local investment. Its recently announced plan for a new High Street Strategy must look at outdated taxes such as business rates which for too long have held back our local communities.
"The decisions taken in the 2025 Budget and the need for subsequent new support for pubs shines the light on a system that has long passed its sell by date. The Strategy needs to recognise that raising so much tax revenue through property taxes is no longer sustainable. The industry remains ready to work with Government on a solution that brings a sunnier outlook for both businesses and consumers."
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant at Sensormatic, added: "February proved a more challenging month for UK retail, with footfall slipping further into decline and reversing the tentative progress seen in January.
"Economic pressures added an extra layer of strain. Continued food price inflation and rising unemployment continued to weigh on household budgets, making both discretionary trips and discretionary spending easier to delay. For retailers, the combination of a soggy month and tightened consumer confidence made February a difficult backdrop to trade against.
"Still, there are reasons to look forward. With Mother’s Day on the horizon and the prospect of brighter, more inviting spring weather ahead, retailers will be hoping for a lift in shopper sentiment - and in footfall - as consumers re engage and return to stores."
