In spite of shoppers being more restrictive with their spending due to the cost-of-living crisis, the number of people who hit the high streets last month increased. 

According to recent figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), footfall on the high streets rose by 0.6 per cent in June from the year before. 

This is even more impressive after a year-on-year decline of 0.5 per cent in May 2023. 

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, noted that the economic crisis is having a big impact on shopping habits. 

However, she stated: “High street locations were busier and footfall in major cities also improved, thanks to an increase in international tourism.”

Ms Dickinson also suggested the warm weather in June meant a considerable number of shoppers chose to spend time outdoors enjoying the sunshine instead of going shopping. 

As a result, total UK footfall declined by 1.9 per cent from June 2022 to June 2023. This was driven by a drop in shoppers at retail parks and shopping centres over the year by 2.6 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively. 

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, stated many stores are hoping to see an improvement in footfall over the upcoming school summer holiday. 

This, together with a drop in food price inflation, could be positive for British retailers. 

The BRC revealed shop price annual inflation decelerated to 8.4 per cent in June. 

This represents a drop of 0.6 per cent from the preceding month, which Ms Dickinson said could be an indication food inflation will drop to single figures by the end of the year. 

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