• Total UK footfall decreased by 15.4% in March (Yo3Y), a 1.2 percentage point improvement from February. This is better than the 3-month average decline of 15.9%.
  • This was ahead of France (-25.5%), Germany (-37.5%) and Italy (-38.6%) in March (Yo3Y).
  • Footfall on High Streets declined by 17.8% in March (Yo3Y), 3.1 percentage points better than last month's rate and an improvement on the 3-month average decline of 19.9%.
  • Retail Parks saw footfall decrease by 7.3% (Yo3Y), 5.1 percentage points better than last month's rate and an improvement on the 3-month average decline of 10.9%.
  • Shopping Centre footfall declined by 35.8% (Yo3Y), 4.3 percentage points better than last month's rate and above the 3-month average decline of 38.9%.
  • Northern Ireland saw the shallowest footfall decline of all regions at -14.5%, followed by England at -14.9% and Wales at -18.8%. Scotland saw the steepest decline at -21.1%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive of British Retail Consortium, said: 

“March saw another gradual improvement to footfall levels across the UK. As the first full month without coronavirus restrictions in England and Northern Ireland, consumers were able to shop with a greater sense of normality, spurred on by some spring sunshine. While all UK shopping locations enjoyed higher footfall levels than earlier in the pandemic, shopping centres saw a significant improvement for the first time in 2022, as shoppers browsed multiple stores in preparation for the summer season. “There are many challenges on the horizon as consumer confidence fell to its lowest levels in 16 months. Consumers are now feeling the effects of rising living costs, increased food and fuel prices, and are also anticipating higher energy prices from 1 April. The impact on retail footfall and retail sales across both stores and online is yet to be seen, but as belts continue to tighten and prices continue to rise, it will be a difficult road ahead for consumers.”