Key facts
- UK high street footfall fell 3.8% year-on-year in July.
- Shoppers opted for online purchases during a July heatwave.
- Shopping centres saw declines in footfall in July.
- Retail parks experienced growth in shopper numbers in July.
- London was particularly affected by the extreme temperatures in July.
UK high street footfall saw a year-on-year decrease of 3.8% in July, a trend attributed to shoppers seeking cooler environments or opting for online purchases during a significant heatwave. The extreme temperatures across the country appear to have deterred many from visiting traditional shopping districts. London, in particular, experienced a notable impact from the heat, with its high streets likely suffering from reduced visitor numbers. Shopping centres also recorded declines in footfall during July, suggesting a broader shift away from physical retail spaces during the hot weather. However, retail parks bucked this trend, experiencing growth in shopper numbers, indicating a potential preference for these types of locations during the heatwave or a continued shift in consumer habits towards them. The overall figures highlight the sensitivity of consumer behaviour to weather conditions and the ongoing competition from online retail.