UK footfall increased by 7.2% in April (YoY), up from -5.4% in March, the BRC has revealed.
During the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, footfall increased across all segments – high street by 5.3%, retail parks by 7.5% and shopping centres by 5.6%.
Across nations, footfall also increased 6.7% in England, 6.9% in Scotland, 13.6 % in Wales, and the largest increase of 14.3% in Northern Ireland.
However, the BRC stated that this year Easter was in April compared to last year when it was in March, hence the calendar change distorts the year-on-year footfall comparisons resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March footfall.
Taking March and April together, compared with the same two months in 2024, total footfall increased by 0.2% – high street by 0.2%, retail parks by 2.7%. Meanwhile, footfall in shopping centres decreased by 0.7%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Adjusting for the late fall of Easter this year, footfall across March and April showed a small but positive trend, with retail parks continuing to perform the strongest out of all locations. This reflected the unseasonably warm and bright weather right across the UK. In England, the North East saw particularly strong growth in footfall, with Manchester and Liverpool both recording double-digit improvements in footfall. Retailers will be hoping this momentum continues into the summer months.
“If the government wishes to see thriving towns and city centres, it must ensure no shop pays more as a result of business rates reform, thereby enabling retailers’ ability to invest in their local communities.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: “April brought a welcome rebound in footfall, with shopper numbers rising 7.2% year-on-year across all retail destinations. The combination of Easter trading and the sunniest April on record helped entice consumers back into stores.
“Looking at March and April together however, the overall picture for the UK is more balanced, with footfall across the two months up just 0.2% year-on-year. While this suggests that April’s gains largely offset March’s dip, it also highlights the importance of sustained engagement beyond seasonal peaks. Retailers will now be looking to build on this momentum as we move into the summer months.”
