UK high street footfall drops 6% in June as heatwave deters shoppers

June’s record heatwave reduced overall UK retail footfall by 3.4% year‑on‑year, with the high street experiencing the steepest decline at 6.2%, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC) – Sensormatic data. Air‑conditioned shopping centres saw visits fall 2.5% and retail parks only 0.3%.

Scotland was the sole nation with an increase, posting a 1.7% rise in footfall, while Northern Ireland, Wales and England recorded falls of 0.9%, 2.3% and 3% respectively. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said the heatwave impacted visits but highlighted a larger challenge: rising costs, higher taxes and regulatory burdens that hinder investment and job growth. Retail consultant Andy Sumpter added that the trend reflects a cautious consumer making fewer, more considered trips, with exceptional temperatures and travel disruptions further discouraging high‑street shopping.