UK retail footfall slides in March - BRC

(Sharecast News) - UK retail footfall tumbled in March, industry data showed on Friday, after the late timing of Easter weighed heavily on the high street. Last year, Easter - a key shopping holiday for many retailers, especially grocers - fell in March. This year, however, it falls notably later, at the end of April.

As a result, tough comparatives meant that total UK footfall was down 5.4% year-on-year in the five weeks to 5 April, sharply lower than February's 0.2% decline.

The BRC-Sensormatic data also showed a 4% decline in footfall on high streets, a 5.8% slide at shopping centres and a more marginal 1.9% fall in retail parks.

The exception was Mother's Day, which fell on 30 March and saw a 13.4% uplift year-on-year in high street footfall.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "With Easter falling in April, footfall in March could not compete to last year, when families were already enjoying their Easter holidays.

"Despite this, footfall in retail parks held up better than other locations, as the expanding offer of hospitality and leisure outlets alongside retail, together with free parking, attracted more shoppers.

"Similarly, London saw only a minor dip in footfall compared to other parts of the country."

However, she warned: "Global uncertainties from tariffs and a potential economic slowdown could reduce the appetite for shopping trips in the coming months."

Andy Sumpter, EMEA retail consultant at Sensormatic, said: "After a bumpy few months, March made for disappointing footfall, as shopper and business confidence remains subdued, not helped by ongoing economic uncertainty and pre-spring statement jitters.

"Retailers will be hoping that strong Easter trading could help balance out a slow start to spring."