August retail footfall has seen a ‘marginal’ rise despite summer holidays and UK riots, according to new data

Overall retail footfall in August rose 0.9% on July despite holidays and protests taking place in high streets, according to data from MRI Software.

The uplift was driven by a 2.1% rise in shopping centre footfall and a 2% increase across retail parks. High streets saw a small decline in footfall of 0.1%.

Annual footfall edged up 0.1% year on year, with an annual rise coming from retail parks which saw a 3.3% increase in footfall.

High streets and shopping centres recorded annual declines of 0.3% and 1.8% respectively.

MRI said this annual data reflects pre-pandemic trends where high streets and shopping centres would experience a “lull in footfall” due to shoppers opting to holiday abroad in August.

Weekend footfall increased 1.2% month on month in August while weekday footfall fell 0.8%.

MRI Software marketing and insights director Jenni Matthews said: “As anticipated, the month started on a weak note with the first two weeks averaging a decline of -2.2% week on week. This was likely influenced by the school summer holidays and many people choosing to travel abroad, combined with protests and riots impacting much of the UK with high streets feeling the full force. 

“The latter part of the month witnessed an uplift in activity as normality resumed, however factors likely contributing to a bounce back in high street footfall probably came in the form of warmer weather and music events in certain parts of the UK, including the final leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which would have positively impacted activity in towns and cities. 

“This was particularly noticeable in London locations where footfall spiked by +8% year on year in the final week of the month.

“The back-to-school rush will also be prominent in the coming days; however the greatest impact for retail destinations in September could be the mandated return to office which is due to be enforced by many businesses nationwide. 

“This shift may lead to an uplift in weekday footfall as more people return to offices on a regular basis and offers retailers a chance to capitalise by preparing accordingly in terms of staffing and asset maintenance to ensure a seamless experience for the customer.”