In February 2025, UK retail footfall experienced a modest year-on-year increase of 0.2%, a significant slowdown from January’s 6.6% rise, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
Retail parks continue to attract shoppers
Retail parks outperformed other retail destinations, recording a 2.0% increase in footfall compared to February 2024.
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This growth is attributed to the variety of larger retail outlets and the availability of free parking, which have enticed customers to choose retail parks over local high streets or shopping centres.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, noted that “strong investment in retail parks and fewer empty stores has led to consistent positive shopper traffic over the past year.”
High streets and shopping centres see marginal growth
High streets and shopping centres experienced marginal improvements in footfall, each with a 0.1% year-on-year increase in February.
This marks the second consecutive month of growth for these sectors, although the gains are modest compared to retail parks.
The slight uptick suggests a cautious return of consumers to traditional shopping venues, but challenges remain in revitalising these areas to pre-pandemic levels.
Regional disparities in footfall trends
Regionally, footfall trends varied across the UK. Wales saw a 2.7% year-on-year increase, while England experienced a modest 0.2% rise.
In contrast, Northern Ireland and Scotland faced slight declines of 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
These disparities highlight the uneven recovery of retail footfall across the UK, influenced by factors such as local economic conditions and consumer confidence.
Concerns over rising operational costs
The retail industry is grappling with escalating operational costs, including a £7 billion increase from the recent Budget, which encompasses higher National Insurance contributions and a reformed packaging levy.
These additional expenses are expected to hinder retailers’ ability to invest in shopping destinations and the communities they serve.
Dickinson emphasised the need for government support, stating, “Ensuring no shop pays more as a result of business rates reform and delaying the new packaging levy would allow for more investment in stores and jobs, giving footfall a better chance of recovery in 2025.”
Outlook for the coming months
Looking ahead, retailers face the challenge of sustaining footfall growth amid rising costs and changing consumer behaviours.
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, observed that while shopper counts remained steady, many had hoped for a more substantial leap building off a strong start to the year.
He noted that “retail parks, consistently one of the top performers in 2024, once again outstripped other retail destinations in February.” With Easter falling late in April this year, retailers may need to enhance their offerings with greater convenience and choice to attract customers in the coming months.
Ultimately, while February 2025 saw a slight increase in UK retail footfall, the sector continues to face significant challenges, including rising operational costs and the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.
The performance of retail parks offers a glimmer of hope, but a comprehensive strategy is essential to revitalise high streets and shopping centres nationwide.
