High street footfall wilts in UK heatwave

The latest footfall data from MRI Software shows a sharp decline in high street visits this year, down 13.7% year on year and 8.9% week on week up to 2pm yesterday (June 24), which was the hottest June day on record for many parts of the UK.

Soaring temperatures drove consumers away from high streets in favour of cooler locations, with destinations offering leisure facilities and air-conditioned environments performing far more strongly.

Retail park footfall was up 5.4% week on week and 8.3% year on year, while footfall to seaside locations also soared.

One fashion retailer told Retail Week the heatwave had made “trading interesting”.

“We would normally see a big spike this week, but it’s been quieter,” they added. “I think the extreme heat may have kept people home and shopping online”.

A source at a general merchandise retailer said that sales of fans and air conditioning units “were, perhaps unsurprisingly, absolutely through the roof”.

MRI Software retail analyst Jenni Matthews noted: “The heatwave is taking a toll on the high street, with soaring temperatures cooling shoppers’ appetite. Footfall across UK high streets dropped –13.7% year on year and -8.9% week on week, up until 2pm today, as many opted to stay home amid school closures and disrupted transport across many parts of the country.

“But while town centres have felt the heat, coastal locations are basking in a different story. Footfall in seaside towns rose +4.1% week on week, suggesting a surge in spontaneous day trips as Brits swapped shopping bags for beach towels.

“This trend highlights a familiar summer pattern; when temperatures rise, traditional retail destinations often fall out of favour, while leisure-led locations see demand heat up. However, destinations offering leisure and air-conditioned environments appear to fare well, as reflected in retail park visits rising +5.4% week on week and +8.3% year on year.”