High street footfall in the United Kingdom declined over the summer months as unseasonably hot weather deterred shoppers, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Shopper numbers were 3.1% lower in August compared to the same month last year. This follows a 3.8% decrease in July. The BRC described the trend as another blow to retailers already contending with rising costs, increased taxes, and sluggish consumer demand.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson urged the government to take action to support the retail sector. She stated that the industry requires tangible cost reductions rather than mere assurances. Dickinson indicated that with the Chancellor's budget approaching, there is an opportunity to provide crucial assistance to the nation's high streets. Specific measures such as government intervention on business rates and energy costs could help stabilize prices, encourage investment, and preserve jobs and local communities reliant on the retail industry.