Retail footfall drops sharply across UK in March 2025

Retail parks saw a 1.2 per cent decrease, down from 2.0 per cent, while shopping centres experienced a 5.8 per cent fall, down from 0.1 per cent in February.

Footfall declined across all regions in March: 4.9 per cent in England, 6.6 per cent in Scotland, 8.3 per cent in Wales, and the sharpest drop of 9.0 per cent in Northern Ireland, according to the BRC-Sensormatic data.

“With Easter falling in April this year, footfall in March could not compare 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,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC.

“Global uncertainties resulting from tariffs and a potential economic slowdown could reduce the appetite for shopping trips in the coming months. The government must find ways to boost consumer confidence and ensure retailers can invest in jobs and stores. The upcoming business rates reform, aimed at supporting high streets could make the situation worse for thousands of retail stores caught by the proposed new, higher threshold. This is why it is vital that no store pays more because of these reforms,” added Dickinson.

“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. With Easter this year landing in April, some of the downturn in store visits in March could have been from consumers withholding Easter spend. Retailers will now be hoping that strong Easter trading can help balance out a slow start to Spring,” said Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic.

“It is worth noting, however, that there were some brighter moments for shopper counts in March—although, sadly, not enough of them to have had a material impact on the overall figures. Mother’s Day delivered a standout performance, driving a 13.4 per cent uplift in High Street footfall compared to last year,” added Sumpter.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)