UK footfall for April increased as warmer weather and the Easter weekend boosted visits to retail destinations.
Across all UK retail destinations, footfall grew 2% compared with March. High streets saw the biggest rise in visits, growing 4.5% month on month as activations, Easter events, and warm weather attracted shoppers to town.
Retail Parks and shopping centres saw a slight dip in visits, slipping 0.1% and 1% month on month respectively.
On an annual basis, overall footfall declined 1.9% year on year. Shopping centres saw the biggest yearly drop at 2.4%, followed by a 1.9% decline in high streets and 1.8% in retail parks.
April’s footfall performance was also driven by the end of Easter at the beginning of the month, as well as the build-up to the May bank holiday towards the end of the month. The London Marathon also helped give a boost to the capital city.
External disruption, such as the tube strikes, did cause a small dip in central London footfall.
MRI Software said: “April’s trends highlight a clear trend: footfall is increasingly driven by moments, whether it’s seasonal events, weather or major cultural occasions, rather than consistent underlying demand. High streets, especially, continue to benefit from this shift, leveraging experiences and events to drive visits.
“However, the softer annual comparison reinforces the ongoing challenge for the sector. Consumers remain measured in their behaviour, combining fewer, more purposeful trips with a greater expectation of value and experience when they do visit.
“As the retail calendar moves further into spring and summer, the ability to capitalise on key moments – such as the World Cup, music events and local summer activations – and convert them into sustained engagement, will be critical for destinations looking to drive both footfall and spend. With the right real-time data, retail leaders can ensure they have a comprehensive view of their retail portfolios and make decisions that drive efficiency, performance and growth.”
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