July Shopper Footfall Declines Amidst Intense Heatwave
Record temperatures kept consumers at home, leading to a notable drop in visits to High Streets and shopping centers.
Shopper footfall across the United Kingdom decreased by 2.1% in July compared to the same period last year, as soaring temperatures discouraged consumers from visiting retail destinations. High Streets experienced the most significant decline, with footfall dropping 3.8%, while shopping centers saw a 1.4% decrease. Retail parks, however, recorded a modest increase of 1.2%.
England and Wales recorded their driest July since 1836, a factor that contributed to the reduced appetite for shopping. The decline in July was less severe than in June, when a record-breaking heatwave led to a 3.4% drop in footfall. London saw a particularly sharp decrease, with footfall falling 5.3% year-on-year, as many residents opted to avoid traveling on the London Underground, where temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius.
The downturn adds further pressure to the High Street, which has already faced challenges from retailer collapses and potential closures of other chains. Inflation, exacerbated by global events, has also impacted consumer spending. Six out of the first seven months of 2026 have seen footfall perform worse than the corresponding periods in the previous year, raising concerns about the health of the retail sector.
Retailers are adapting to the changing climate by investing in measures such as increased air conditioning and more efficient refrigeration. There is also a focus on sustainability initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. However, industry leaders have called for a review of the business rates system, arguing that it can penalize retailers for making such investments and hinder their ability to afford necessary upgrades.
Andy Sumpter, head of consulting and analytics for Sensormatic, noted that the exceptionally hot and dry weather was likely a significant deterrent to shopping trips, especially impacting High Streets. For retailers, the ongoing challenge remains converting selective customer visits into substantial spending as the summer season continues.