Retail footfall is taking a step in the right direction, according to a new report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Key points from the BRC-SENSORMATIC IQ Footfall Monitor for April 2021 are as follows:

  • As stores reopened during the month, Total UK Footfall decreased by 40.0% in April (Yo2Y), with a 28.7 percentage point improvement from March. This is above the 3-month average decline of 59.2%.
  • Footfall on High Streets declined by 43.9% in April (Yo2Y). This is above the 3-month average decline of 61.2%.
  • Retail Parks saw footfall decrease by 30.5% (Yo2Y), 6.3 percentage points above last month’s rate. This is above the 3-month average decline of 35.4%.
  • Shopping Centre footfall declined by 49.8% (Yo2Y). This is above the 3-month average decline of 67.2%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC Chief Executive, said: “With the easing of restrictions on retail and some hospitality on April 12, consumers have been returning to their local high streets, shopping centres and retail parks. This is reflected in the improving levels of footfall seen across the country, as consumers visit their favourite stores post-lockdown.

"While shops have worked incredibly hard to provide consumers with a safe and enjoyable shopping experience, it is unlikely we will see a return to pre-pandemic levels of footfall anytime soon, as social distancing measures naturally restrict retailers’ capacity. Retail parks continued to fare better than shopping centres and high streets, as they benefit from the presence of large stores, more space and on-site parking. However, it was encouraging to see footfall improve across all retail sites compared to the lockdown months.

“Growing consumer demand and footfall in the months ahead will be vital for the survival of many retailers, as they start to see costs increasing as stores reopen and colleagues return from furlough. With full business rates relief ending in England in June, the ongoing rates review needs to deliver on its objectives to reform the broken rates system and reduce the financial pressures on retailers, otherwise many stores and viable jobs will be under threat.”

Read the full report

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