Data published by the British Retail Consortium on Friday (11 July) shows a decline in shopping footfall over the last month, as the higher-than-average temperatures took a toll.
The data, which covered the five weeks 01 Jun – 05 Jul 2025, shows that total UK footfall decreased by 1.8% in June (YoY), down from -1.7% in May. High Street footfall decreased by 3% in June (YoY), down from -2.5% in May over the same period.
Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.1% in June (YoY), down from 0.2% in May. Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.6% in June (YoY), up from -2.3% in May.
“Extreme weather meant shoppers stayed away from their local stores last month, leading to a decline in footfall across all three key retail locations,” said Helen Dickinson (Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium).
High streets were particularly affected as extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms, discouraging visits, she said.
“Subdued consumer sentiment means shoppers remain cautious, making it increasingly difficult for retailers to generate strong footfall into their stores. However, there were more encouraging signs in some parts of the UK, with Manchester and Birmingham recording positive footfall for the third consecutive month. This is thanks to popular new shops opening and major concerts drawing in crowds.”
“The government formed a year ago, promising to reinvigorate our high streets. However, footfall remains negative, with retailers struggling to invest more in local stores due to the rising costs from the last Budget.”
This is compounded by an outdated, broken business rates system in urgent need of reform, she said.
“While we welcome the government’s plans to reform rates, it is essential that the changes leave no shop paying more. In doing so, the government can ease the pressure on high streets, enabling greater investment in our towns and cities, something local communities desperately need,” she said.
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