Footfall in retail parks and high streets show resilience amidst lockdown

  • UK retail footfall declined by -10.9% last week compared to the previous week
  • Footfall is still above levels seen during the first lockdown
  • Retail parks experienced a smaller decline at -5.8%
  • High streets saw a drop of -14.6%, shopping centres -11.5%
  • Footfall in Scotland increased by +6% on high streets
  • Decline varied across regions, from -4.7% in Wales to -20.4% in North & Yorkshire
  • Rate of decline slowed down from Sunday to Tuesday
  • Annual decline has not reached the lowest levels of Lockdown 1 or its second week

UK retail footfall declined by -10.9% last week compared to the previous week, according to Springboard data. Despite this decline, it remains above the levels seen during the first lockdown last year. The drop was less than half of the -27.1% decline in the preceding week. In specific locations, retail parks experienced a smaller decline at -5.8%, while high streets saw a decrease of -14.6% and shopping centres had a -11.5% drop. Scotland’s footfall increased by +6% on high streets, whereas other regions ranged from -4.7% in Wales to -20.4% in North & Yorkshire. The rate of decline slowed down from Sunday to Tuesday, averaging at -23.6% and -5.5%, respectively. Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, stated that the annual decline has not yet reached the lowest levels seen during Lockdown 1 or its second week.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the changes in UK retail footfall during the lockdown. It cites a reliable source (Springboard) for its data and presents it in a clear and concise manner. The article also includes regional variations and day-wise trends, which add value to the report.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the changes in UK retail footfall during the lockdown and compares it to previous periods. It also offers some regional breakdowns and insights from an expert. However, it could benefit from more analysis or context on why these trends are occurring and what they might mean for the future of retail.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses changes in footfall across UK retail destinations, which can impact the performance and revenue of retail companies and potentially affect financial markets related to this sector.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the article

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk