UK footfall saw a -1.7% year-on-year dip in August, with High Streets experiencing the sharpest decline, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.

Despite total footfall improving on July’s figures, store traffic to UK High Streets remained particularly “sluggish”, experiencing a -3.1% dip compared to 2025, while shopping centres also saw a -0.5% decrease in shopper traffic.

Retail parks, however, bucked the trend, with visitor numbers rising +1% year-on-year, as shoppers made the most of slightly cooler temperatures and stocked up on back-to-school items ahead of the start of term.

Cooler temperatures tempt back store shoppers

“The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items,” Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said. “Retail Parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows High Streets face an uphill battle.”

Andy Sumpter, Head of Consulting & Analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, added that while the numbers were “still firmly in negative territory”, he said that this marked “a welcome improvement on both July and June, suggesting the pace of decline may be beginning to ease.”

Converting modest footfall into meaningful spend

He caveated that the footfall figures remain negative against already modest performance in 2025, which he said “underlined the continued pressure facing retailers.”

Looking ahead to the Golden Quarter, Sumpter added that retailers will need to focus on converting modest footfall into meaningful spend.

“With the industry’s most important trading period fast approaching, there are reasons for cautious encouragement, but not complacency. The challenge for retailers remains unchanged: converting a modest improvement in footfall into meaningful spend.”

Retail requires a Budget boost

Dickinson call for greater Government support, adding that “retailers don’t need warm words, they need lower costs.”

“With his first Budget weeks away, Chancellor Healey has a chance to throw Britain’s High Streets a lifeline. Retail faces cost pressures and households are watching every penny,” she said.

“Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.”