High Streets See Largest Increase as Sunny Days Boost Shopping

  • Footfall rose by 11.1% last week compared to the previous week
  • The increase was mainly due to a bounce back in footfall on Friday and Saturday
  • High streets saw the largest rise in footfall, followed by shopping centres and retail parks
  • Central London footfall increased by 17% while city centres outside of London saw a lower increase
  • The gap from pre-pandemic levels narrowed to -17.2%
  • Footfall in Central London likely boosted by half term family trips

UK retail footfall increased by 11.1% last week compared to the previous week, according to Springboard. The rise was mainly due to a bounce back in footfall on Friday and Saturday, helped by sunny weather. High streets saw the largest increase in footfall, followed by shopping centres and retail parks. Central London footfall rose by 17%, while city centres outside of London experienced a lower increase. The return of office workers contributed to the rise, as did half term family trips. However, over the five days from Sunday to Thursday, footfall was marginally lower than the previous week.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the increase in footfall across various UK retail destinations, citing specific percentages and attributing the rise to factors such as weather conditions and the return of workers to offices. It also includes quotes from an expert source to provide context and analysis.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about changes in footfall in different types of retail destinations in the UK, with a focus on the impact of weather conditions and the return to offices after COVID restrictions. It also includes data from Springboard’s analysis. However, it could benefit from more context or analysis beyond just reporting the numbers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK retail destinations, including high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of weather conditions and half term family trips on footfall in UK retail destinations, which can affect consumer spending and thus have an indirect impact on financial markets and companies involved in the retail 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 text

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk