July Heatwave Drove Shopper Footfall Down, Especially on High Streets

Shopper footfall in the UK experienced a significant decline in July, largely attributed to unseasonably high temperatures that kept consumers at home. Retail destinations saw a 2.1% drop in footfall compared to the same period last year, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic. High Streets were particularly affected, with footfall decreasing by 3.8%, while shopping centers saw a 1.4% decline. Retail parks, however, experienced a modest increase of 1.2%.

The prolonged hot and dry weather, with England and Wales experiencing the driest July since records began in 1836, deterred shoppers. This trend followed a similar pattern in June, when a record-breaking heatwave led to a 3.4% slide in footfall. Londoners were especially reluctant to venture out, with footfall in the capital falling by 5.3% year-on-year. Researchers noted that many consumers avoided traveling on the London Underground, where temperatures frequently exceeded 30 degrees Celsius.

This decline adds further pressure to the High Street, which has already faced challenges from retailer closures and the impact of inflation exacerbated by geopolitical events. Six out of the first seven months of 2026 have recorded lower footfall than the corresponding periods in the previous year, highlighting ongoing concerns for brick-and-mortar retail.

Retailers are adapting to the changing climate by investing in measures such as increased air conditioning and more efficient refrigeration systems, as well as sustainability initiatives. However, industry representatives have pointed to the complexities of the business rates system, suggesting it can penalize retailers for these investments. There is a call for a review of the system to better support retail businesses.

Sensormatic's analysis indicates that extreme weather was a significant factor in discouraging shopping trips, with a notable impact on High Streets. As the retail sector navigates these challenges, the focus remains on converting selective consumer visits into substantial spending throughout the remainder of the summer.