February failed to deliver footfall growth in Scotland with Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)_Sensormatic data recording a 3% decrease YoY, down from 5.1% in January. However, the country still fared better than England, which suffered a 5% footfall decline, down from -1.4% in January and Wales, where footfall plummeted 5.8%, down from -2.8% on the previous month.
Scottish Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 2.1% in February (YoY), down from 4.9% in January, while Retail Park footfall decreased by 3.2% in February (YoY), down from 5.3% the month prior.
Footfall in Edinburgh decreased by 2.5% (YoY), while footfall in Glasgow decreased by 3.5%.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Retailers’ hopes of a second successive monthly growth in shopper footfall were scuppered in February as visits to Scottish stores fell. The pronounced dip was witnessed across all retail destinations and overall it was the weakest performance since June. Scotland fared a little bit better than most of the other eleven parts of the UK measured in the survey.
“The impact of this on shoppers’ propensity to spend and on actual retail sales values remains to be seen as there isn’t always an exact correlation. What we do know is that the vitality of Scotland’s larger conurbations and retail destinations is ultimately dependent on the patronage of shoppers and buoyant consumer spending. Stores are striving to play their part on promotions, products, and experiences against a backdrop of downgraded official forecasts for economic growth and lingering concerns over the cost of living. This suggests a sharper and more urgent response is required from policy makers and those seeking to form the next Scottish Government on reviving the health of our retail destinations and encouraging more people to return.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said:
“February saw footfall decline across Scotland, though the picture was brighter than in England and Wales, and only bettered by Northern Ireland. While the month was challenging, much of Scotland avoided the extreme weather seen elsewhere in the UK, with northern and western areas notably drier than usual. In contrast, eastern Scotland experienced above average rainfall – creating a varied backdrop for shopper activity.
“Even with pockets of more favourable weather, overall footfall remained in negative territory. Economic pressures continued to weigh on household budgets, with food price inflation and rising unemployment influencing both spending confidence and the frequency of shopping trips. As in the rest of the UK, these wider factors played a significant role in keeping visits subdued.
“Still, there are reasons to look forward. With Mother’s Day on the horizon and the prospect of brighter, more inviting spring weather ahead, retailers will be hoping for a lift in shopper sentiment – and in footfall – as consumers re engage and return to stores.”
