Retailers call for ‘lifeline’ from Healey as cooler weather fails to boost footfall
Britain’s retailers have called for a “lifeline” from the Chancellor John Healey after footfall fell again in August despite cooler temperatures. Total footfall in the UK fell by 1.7 per cent year on year last month, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Though shopping traffic fell at a slower rate than July’s [...]
Britain's retail industry is pleading for financial assistance from Chancellor John Healey, as foot traffic along high streets continues to decline despite cooler weather. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported that total footfall in the UK dropped by 1.7 percent year on year in August, a slower decline compared to July's 2.2 percent decrease.
However, the decline in footfall at high streets is even more severe, with a 3.1 percent year on year drop. Retail parks saw a slight increase in footfall, with one percent more visits than the same period last year. London experienced the steepest decline in retail footfall in August, with a 4.9 percent decrease. Sensormatic, a company that provides the data for the BRC, attributed the slight improvement in August footfall to cooler temperatures.
The sweltering July heat had initially driven consumers away from in-person shopping, thus boosting e-commerce platforms. Despite this temporary reprieve, retailers continue to face significant challenges, including higher business rates and increased labor costs. The BRC has urged Healey to reduce employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and other trade bodies have called for reforms in business rates.
Retailers are hoping that Healey's upcoming Budget will provide a much-needed "lifeline" by lowering costs for high streets, supporting investment, and preserving jobs and communities.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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