Shopper footfall in Scotland has dipped 3% in June (YoY), down from -0.7% in May, according to Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)-Sensormatic data.
Edinburgh swam against the tide with an increased of 0.5% (YoY), while footfall in Glasgow decreased by 4.6% in the five weeks from 1st June – 5th July.
Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.8% in June (YoY), down from -0.9% in May, while Retail Park footfall decreased by 3.7% in June (YoY), down from 1.2% in May.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Shopper footfall in Scotland slipped back in June compared to the same period last year. It was a second successive monthly drop and rounded off an underwhelming first half of the year which saw monthly foot-traffic edging down more often than not. The decline wasn’t universal across all destinations as Edinburgh yet again eked out a small but positive improvement. Retail parks, which usually fare well, performed poorly.
“Time will tell how this translates into actual retail sales, but the omens don’t bode well. It may be that spending on experiences is continuing to trump purchases of products, at a time when inflation remains elevated and shop prices have started to rise, putting a dampener on disposable spending.
“The new UK Government entered office a year ago and made much of its intention to revive high streets. The aspiration is positive but to date we have seen little to make that desire a reality. Indeed, the impact of the increase to employers’ national insurance and other statutory costs only serves to make it even harder for the industry to invest in retail destinations. At least the UK administration accepts that shops pay too much in business rates and plans a permanent rates reduction for some English stores from April. Whether Holyrood will similarly reduce retailers’ rates bills remains unclear.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented:
“June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record—but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival. Total UK footfall was down -1.8% year-on-year, a gentler drop than the -2.3% seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline. Scotland saw a steeper decline of -3.0%, reflecting the broader regional challenges. UK High Streets fell -3.0%, while Retail Parks and Shopping Centres dipped -1.1% and -1.6% respectively.
“One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline at a UK level is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum—especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.”
