Retail footfall across the UK remained relatively flat year-on-year throughout June, but signs of recovery emerged in the final week of the month as consumers warmed to a summer filled with sun, sports, and music.
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Thanks to the late June heatwave, payday timing, and the beginnings of a summer of sport and music, retail footfall rose marginally by 0.1% ‘last month’ (1 June-5 July), according to MRI Software.
The slender rise was driven by a 1.2% uplift in retail park activity as shopping centres and high streets both saw slight dips in visitor activity, down 0.5% and 0.1% respectively
However, retail parks’ positive performance hinted “at a consumer focus on seasonal essentials such as BBQ and DIY supplies”, noted the monthly report.
The beginning of June “told a familiar post-half-term story”, with a noticeable drop in footfall “as families settled back into routine”.
However, the month gathered pace, culminating in the strongest gains in both week-on-week and year-on-year comparisons during its final week with footfall rising by 1.5% and 3.8%, respectively, in all UK retail destinations.
This late rally in activity “reflects a powerful blend of favourable weather and events driving not just tourism and leisure but a measurable uplift in retail engagement”, it said.
Weekday footfall across the UK was up 0.4% year-on-year, with retail parks showing particular strength as Thursday emerged as a peak day for shoppers stocking up ahead of warm weekends.
In Central London, weekday footfall in office-dense locations rose by 3.8% compared to June 2024, supported by a strong line-up of trade events and exhibitions, “and indicating that the return-to-office trend continues to play a key role in the recovery of the capital’s retail spaces”.
MRI Software added: “With the summer of sport and music well and truly under way and school holidays on the horizon, retail leaders across the country have reason to be optimistic. The challenge now is converting this short-term momentum into sustained engagement through tailored promotions, late-night trading, and city-centre experiences that encourage repeat visits.”
