Wet weather was blamed for keeping shoppers home last month, as footfall dipped -4.7% year-on-year after one of the wettest Februarys on record, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic figures.

“One of the wettest Februarys on record saw shoppers shy away from in store visits last month,” commented Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

For the four weeks spanning 01 – 28 Feb 2026, total shopper traffic fell -0.6% on January. Shopping centres saw the biggest decline compared to 2024, down -5.5% year-on-year, followed by High Streets (-5.4%).

“February proved a more challenging month for UK retail, with footfall slipping further into decline and reversing the tentative progress seen in January,” said Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic. “Exceptionally heavy rainfall – well above the seasonal average – kept shoppers away from High Streets and retail destinations, driving a natural shift towards online shopping.”

The figures from the BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor follow downbeat data on High Street spending released by BDO; its High Street Tracker said spending “flatlined” in February. While in-store sales rebounded briefly in January as a result of heavy discounting, it said the High Street record an “anaemic performance” as sales remained flat (+0.6%) last month.

But Sumpter remained upbeat, adding there are “still reasons to look forward,” pointing towards seasonal Mother’s Day opportunities and other Spring shopping occasions.

“With Mother’s Day on the horizon and the prospect of brighter, more inviting spring weather ahead, retailers will be hoping for a lift in shopper sentiment – and in footfall – as consumers re engage and return to stores,” he added.