Rail strikes hit UK footfall, BRC reports

UK footfall was impacted by the rail strikes on 21, 23 and 25 of June, dropping 3.9% over the week from 20-26 June compared to the average of the previous four weeks.

High Streets saw the weakest performance with a 3.3% decline, while Thursday was the worst performing day with a 13.7% drop in footfall, followed by Tuesday at -9.4%, according the latest data from BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor.

London saw footfall decrease by 1.4% over the week, impacted by both rail and tube strikes, compared with the average of the previous four weeks.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “As expected, commuter traffic was hit with many working from home to avoid unnecessary travel, impacting already vulnerable city centre businesses reliant on those commuters.

“Whilst we hope footfall will bounce back in the following weeks and months, it comes at a difficult time for businesses as costs are continuing to spiral and consumers are tightening their belts.”