Footfall in March and April combined increased by 0.2% year-on-year, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic footfall figures.

The warmer weather saw shoppers pay more visits to retail parks, which were up 2.7% year on year for the two-month period.

“This reflected the unseasonally warm and bright weather right across the UK,” said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.

Last month was the sunniest April on record for the UK, according to the Met Office.

Fashion retailer Next reported better-than-expected trading in the first quarter yesterday, citing the warm weather as a driver.

“In England, the North East saw particularly strong growth in footfall, with Manchester and Liverpool both recording double-digit improvements in footfall. Retailers will be hoping this momentum continues into the summer months.

High street footfall increased by 0.2%, while shopping centre visits fell by 0.7%.

Combining the two-month period is important as Easter landed in April rather than March this year.

As a result, figures look far more positive for April alone. Total UK footfall for the month was up by 7.2% year on year.

“While this suggests that April’s gains largely offset March’s dip, it also highlights the importance of sustained engagement beyond seasonal peaks. Retailers will now be looking to build on this momentum as we move into the summer months,” said Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA at Sensormatic.

Topics