An early Easter helped boost footfall in March, but the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that positive momentum “is far from guaranteed” as the conflict in the Middle East weighs on confidence.

Total UK footfall increased 2.4% last month, up from a decline of 4.7% in February.

Shopping centres were the most visited destination, with footfall up 2.6% in March compared to a 5.5% decline the month before.

Retail park shopper numbers rose 2.5%, against a 3.1% decline in February.

High street footfall edged up 2% in March, up from a 5.4% decline the month before.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered. 

“Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well, but overall growth fell short of expectations. Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed.

“Looking ahead, the conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on both retailer and consumer confidence, with further pressure on the cost of living potentially likely to hit footfall. 

“The government can play its part supporting households by easing pressures created by domestic policy costs. Cutting these costs would free up retailers to invest more in value, experience and their in-store offer – the things that help footfall and create more vibrant local economies.”

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