May’s Retail Scene: A Slightly Dark Day for the High Streets
When the sun was shining in May, shoppers thought the roads would blaze with commerce – but the numbers say otherwise. Across the UK, footfall dipped by 1.7% year‑on‑year, a swing from the bright +7.2% surge seen in April. This whole‑country slide is a bit of a buzzkill for retailers hoping to capture the warm‑weather wave.
Break‑down by Venue
- High Streets: down 2.5% YoY, a fall from April’s +5.3%.
- Shopping Centres: a dip of 2.3%, below the previous month’s +5.6% rise.
- Retail Parks: managed a modest uptick of 0.2%, staying the silver lining amid darker surroundings.
Regional Footfall: The Country‑wide Gloom
All nations felt the slowdown, though the loss varied. Wales receded by 0.4%, Scotland by 0.7%, Northern Ireland by 1.4%, while England suffered the steepest slide at 2.0%.
Inside the Voices of the Retail Frontline
Helen Dickinson – British Retail Consortium CEO
“Fair weather shouldn’t have upset the busys. Yet fans of brick‑and‑mortar seem a lot less keen in May,” she chuckles. She points out that while markets steadied, rising household bills have sagged consumer spirits. Retail parks are the only bright spot, with a slight bump in visitors, and Manchester’s summer lineup did give the city a boost. But Dickinson warns the government that last year’s added £5 billion in costs from the 2024 Budget is stepping boulders into retailers’ shoes. “The 2025 Budget must bring business‑rate reforms that lift, not crush, the high streets.”
Andy Sumpter – Retail Consultant, Sensormatic
“May wasn’t a blockbuster, but the decline of 1.7% is less grim than the 3.6% dip of last year,” Sumpter remarks. He notes the “sun‑heavy” weather didn’t translate into shopping extravagance, hinting shoppers are leaning toward outdoor merriment. Yet, the signs of rising confidence in personal finances give retailers a glimmer. He’s hopeful that with the right mix of experience, value, and convenience, the season’s shop‑pulse can turn into lasting growth.
What Does This Mean for the On‑Ground Scene?
Retailers are urged to keep things lively and engaging, because the new budget can bite into their budgets. The push is clear: fresh funding for high streets, town centres, and an environment that lets businesses thrive instead of paying a premium.
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