High Streets Hit Hardest with -5.9% Decline

  • Footfall drops by 3.5% amid July train strikes
  • Decline in all three key destination types: high streets (-5.9%), shopping centres (-1.1%) and retail parks (-0.8%)
  • Central London footfall down -21.1% compared to last year, -27.7% since 2019
  • West Midlands: -11.8% decline last week, -14% year-on-year
  • East Midlands: -9.2% decline last week, -10.7% year-on-year
  • Northern Ireland: 11.5% change last week, -3.9% decline year-on-year, -20.7% since 2019

The UK experienced a 3.5% drop in footfall during the RMT rail strike on July 20th, according to MRI Springboard data. High streets saw the most significant decline at -5.9%, followed by shopping centres (-1.1%) and retail parks (-0.8%). Compared to last week’s -0.5% overall drop, high streets fell -1.5%, shopping centres decreased 0.3%, and retail parks dropped 0.7%. Central London footfall plummeted -21.1% compared to the previous year and -27.7% since 2019. The West Midlands saw a -11.8% decline last week, with a -14% change year-on-year. In the East Midlands, footfall dropped -9.2% last week and -10.7% compared to the same time in 2019. Northern Ireland experienced a 11.5% shift last week, a -3.9% decline year-on-year, and a -20.7% decrease since 2019.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the impact of the RMT rail strike on footfall in various regions of the UK, citing specific data from MRI Springboard and comparing it to previous weeks. It also includes year-on-year changes for context. The information is relevant, objective, and well-researched.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the impact of the RMT rail strike on footfall in different regions of the UK, but it could benefit from more context and analysis to provide a better understanding of the long-term trends or possibilities. It also lacks actionable insights or solutions for businesses affected by the strike.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The RMT rail strike affects retail businesses, particularly in high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks.
Financial Rating Justification: This article discusses the impact of a rail strike on footfall (visitor numbers) in various regions, which can affect retail businesses’ revenue. This is relevant to financial topics as it directly impacts companies in these sectors.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of a rail strike on footfall in the UK, but it does not mention any extreme event. The strike caused a decline in footfall, but it is not considered an extreme event.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk