The bounce back in visitor numbers to retail locations faltered last month, with shopping trip numbers still nowhere near their pre-pandemic levels.
Despite the easing of most of the remaining Covid restrictions in July, data from the British Retail Consortium-Sensormatic IQ tracker shows total footfall was 28% below the same period in 2019 and broadly flat on the previous month after shopper numbers had recovered sharply in March and April.
In high streets, footfall was 35% lower on a two-year basis, worsening from June’s 33% drop. In retail parks, footfall was 15% lower compared to 2019, a steeper decline than June’s 8.1%. Meanwhile, in shopping centres, there were 38% fewer visits, compared with a 36% drop in the previous month.
“After improvements in footfall in the early part of 2021, the situation has plateaued with little change in footfall levels for the third month in a row,” said BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson.
“The turbulent weather, with initial heatwaves giving over to torrential rain, appears to have dampened the mood for shopping in July, with a particularly pronounced fall in footfall at retail parks.
“However, the last week of July offered a glimmer of hope for retailers as the easing of restrictions led to the best weekly performance of 2021. Retailers hope this trend will continue as the rise of vaccinations and falling coronavirus case numbers boosts consumer confidence.”
NAM Implications:
- Excitement on reopening.
- Despite all the negatives in the pipeline…
- …and no sight yet of the Fat Lady Singer.
