While this was less than the 7.2% dip in April, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all experienced a drop in total footfall, according to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC’s) data.
Scotland felt the biggest decrease last year, with 5.4% fewer people heading out to stores in high streets, retail parks and shopping centres.
Northern Ireland had the smallest decline, with 3% fewer shoppers heading to retailers, while England and Wales had a 3.4% and 5% fall on last year’s figures.
Breaking down the areas where shoppers head to, high street footfall dropped by 2.7% during May, compared to last year. Although, this was a lower decrease in footfall than the 6.2% seen in April.
Wet weather has recently dampened the amount of money spent in shops too. Just last month, sales dropped for another month in April by 2.3%, according to the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS’s) data.
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There is hope a summer full of sporting events, including the men’s football European Championships (Euro 2024) and the Olympics, could boost the number of people heading out and onto the high street.
However, sunnier climes and a couple of bank holidays in May still didn’t push spenders to enjoy much retail therapy.
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Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, remains positive and believes “footfall across all major shopping destinations across the UK” should feel a boost as punters watch those sporting occasions.
Rather than leaving the weather to dictate retailers’ luck, Dickinson called for whoever wins the general election on 4 July to make major changes to the business rates system in the UK.
Dickinson said: “With an election only five weeks away, political parties have a role to play too by having policies that mean retailers can invest in rejuvenating shopping destinations across the UK.
“A broken business rates system and outdated planning laws are holding back the industry – politicians of all stripes must address these issues. This will boost economic growth, lift consumer spirits, and help drive more shoppers back to our high streets and other retail destinations.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, added: “With inflationary pressures easing and household budgets starting to feel a little less squeezed, along with the optimism that may come with the general election in July, many may be hoping the mood music has shifted key into something more positive.
“With lots of opportunities to engage shoppers and benefit from ambient trade from forthcoming major events over the summer, such as the European Football Championships and Olympics, retailers may have just cause for cautious optimism that consumers will vote with their feet and head back to the shops in greater numbers.”
