Consumers are making fewer visits to the shops as the ongoing Middle East conflict drags down confidence, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
Footfall Decline Over March and April
Over March and April, total footfall across the UK was down 3.9% compared to the same period last year. This two-month period was chosen to cancel out any distortion caused by this year's earlier Easter holiday. High street visits fell by 3.3%, shopping centre trips dropped by 3.5%, and retail parks saw a 3% decline.
April Weakness Despite Easter Adjustment
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, commented: “Even after correcting for Easter, April was still a weak month for footfall. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East pushed consumer confidence to new lows, prompting consumers to make fewer trips to the shops.” She added that retailers hope a sunnier outlook and major sporting events like the World Cup could reverse the trend, but warned that higher inflation due to the conflict may limit consumer appetite for shopping.
Selective Shopping Behaviour
Andy Sumpter from Sensormatic noted: “With consumer confidence falling and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, shoppers are becoming more selective – making fewer trips, but with clearer intent when they do. That said, opportunity remains. Those who are out and about are often there to spend, making every shopper more valuable.” He emphasised that after the country headed to the polls, retailers must remember that shoppers will continue to vote with their feet, and winning their custom depends on delivering value, relevance, and good reasons to return.
