Retailers see “Jubilee jump” in UK footfall, BRC reports

Total UK retail footfall increased by 6.9% over the extended Jubilee weekend, 2-5 June, compared with the average for May 2022, with Thursday 2 June the best performing day - seeing a 45.6% improvement in footfall over the May average.

UK retail footfall for the whole week, from 30 May to 5 June, also saw a significant rise of 17.1% over the May 2022 average, according to the latest data from the BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor.

Over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, retail footfall in UK high streets saw the strongest performance at 3.1% growth, compared with the average for May.

London saw footfall improve by 4.4% over the extended weekend compared to the May average, while for the whole week footfall increased by 9.3% in London.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “The public took to the streets for the Jubilee celebrations, with retail footfall enjoying significant improvements over the early parts of the long weekend. More people hit the shops, with many on the hunt for Jubilee decorations, garden accessories and new outfits.

“Thursday saw the best footfall as the public readied for a weekend of celebrations, from street parties to festivals. It was great to see so many people out celebrating and shopping at their favourite local destinations – a welcome boost for retail businesses reliant on store performance, particularly on the high street. We hope that the momentum can continue despite the ongoing economic turbulence.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: “Retailers experienced a ‘Jubilee jump’ in footfall, as the celebrations prompted shopper traffic on the high steet to rise.

“Whether it was people stocking up on supplies for the bank holiday weekend, attending street parties or using the extra public holidays to socialise with friends and family, retail benefited from welcome ambient footfall from the celebrations.”