Sunshine fails to tempt cash-strapped shoppers – Daily Business

Summer sunshine failed to tempt shoppers as consumers continue to rein in their spending, according to new data.

Total UK footfall fell by 0.4% in July (YoY), an improvement on the 1.8% fall in June, but still reflecting a tough climate for retailers. The decline in Scottish footfall was even steeper, down 1.3% in July against a 3% dip in June.   

The figures, covering the four weeks 6 Jul – 2 August show Scottish Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 0.1% in July (YoY), up from -1.8% in June while Retail Park footfall increased by 0.4% in July (YoY), up from -3.7% in June.    

Footfall in Edinburgh increased by 0.6% (YoY), helped by the influx of tourists, while footfall in Glasgow decreased by 1.5%.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Whilst the figures are an improvement on June’s poor figures there is little to celebrate as retailers have to try to increase sales in store despite fewer visitors.

“A year after the General Election and it’s hard to find evidence of much growth in the everyday economy. A new UK Government promised to focus on the economy but it’s hard to find even green shoots of prosperity. With government-imposed costs skyrocketing and shoppers staying away it already looks like things will remain very tough for Scotland’s retailers this summer.”

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “July failed to bring about the summer boost in shoppers many retailers had hoped for.

“Customers want a vibrant shopping destination, but with around one in seven shops lying empty, more needs to be done to turn town and city centres into places people want to visit.

“While government’s plan to reduce business rates for most Retail, Hospitality and Leisure premises is a step in the right direction, only a substantial cut will truly benefit communities nationwide and help bring thousands of empty shops back into use.

“Many smaller shops and businesses rely on larger anchor stores to attract footfall so the upcoming reforms must also ensure no store pays more, or risk seeing many larger stores close their doors or raise their prices.”