Retail footfall in the UK fell by 1.7% in May compared with the same month in 2024, according to new data from BRC‑Sensormatic spanning 4–31 May 2025.
This represents a sharp reversal from April’s strong rise of 7.2% and signals a subdued start to the summer shopping season.
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Footfall on High Streets dropped by 2.5%, down from a rise of 5.3% in April. Shopping centre visits fell by 2.3%, a marked turnaround from April’s 5.6% growth.
Analysis shows that across the UK nations, England experienced the steepest decline at 2.0%, while Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales saw smaller decreases ranging between 0.4% and 1.4%.
Retail parks prove resilient despite weak demand
Retail parks were the only outlet to register growth, albeit modest at 0.2%, compared with a 7.5% surge in April.
Retail consultant Andy Sumpter notes that warmer May weather may have encouraged consumers to choose outdoor leisure over store visits.
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By GlobalDataNevertheless, he highlights that May’s performance is an improvement over May 2024, which saw a 3.6% decline, suggesting greater stability in footfall this year.
Consumer sentiment and cost pressures
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said that although market conditions had stabilised, high household bills had weighed on consumer confidence and reduced store visits.
She added that retailers are facing higher operating costs following changes introduced in the government’s 2024 Budget.
Dickinson urged that proposed reforms to business rates in the 2025 Budget must not increase costs for any shop, stressing the need to support investment in high streets and town centres.
Economic outlook and retailer strategy
Both Dickinson and Sumpter agree that while cost pressures remain, consumer sentiment is showing signs of recovery.
Sumpter points to an uptick in optimism around personal finances and the broader economy, remarking that retailers are now focusing on experience, value and convenience to convert seasonal footfall into sustainable growth.
Supporting this, AlixPartners’ Matt Clark observes that the May data reflects a “relatively steady month” and that mixed but valuable trading opportunities arose during the month’s two bank holidays.
Looking ahead to summer shopping trends
Retailers will be watching closely to see if the summer season delivers a boost to retail footfall. Manchester, noted for its summer events, remains a bright spot and one of the top-performing English cities.
The wider retail sector is expected to lean on targeted strategies around experience-led shopping, ongoing promotions, and consumer convenience to stabilise footfall as the summer progresses.
As shoppers weigh up essential bills against discretionary spending, the high street’s recovery hinges on balancing economic pressures with stronger local engagement and smarter government policy.
