BRC-Sensormatic data showed UK retail footfall fell 2.1% year on year in July, an improvement from June’s 3.4% drop but still extending a weak 2026 trend.
High streets were hit hardest, with visits down 3.8%, while retail parks rose 1.2% and shopping centres fell 1.4%, as exceptionally hot, dry weather discouraged shopping trips.
England posted the weakest national result at minus 3.0%, and London fell 5.3%, with the British Retail Consortium saying extreme heat made Tube and train travel less attractive.
Scotland and Northern Ireland bucked the trend with gains of 2.7% and 2.6%, while retailers are investing in cooling and efficiency measures that the BRC says current business rates can penalize.