Britain's retail footfall went down 1.7 percent year on year in August, according to data jointly released on Friday by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and retail analytics company Sensormatic Solutions.
The figure registered a slower fall compared with the 2.1-percent decline in July.
Specifically, high street footfall dropped by 3.1 percent year on year in August, shopping center footfall decreased by 0.5 percent, while that for retail park rose by 1 percent, the data showed.
The cooler temperatures brought shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items, BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said, noting that retail parks were the standout performers.
August delivered a modest improvement for UK retail footfall, but "it is worth remembering that this remains negative growth against last year's already modest performance, underlining the continued pressure facing retailers," said Andy Sumpter, head of consulting and analytics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Sensormatic Solutions.
With retailers facing cost pressures and households watching every penny, government support on business rates and energy costs could help keep prices down, support investment and sustain jobs and communities across the country, Dickinson said.
Britain's retail footfall down in August
