Retail footfall numbers in Wales fell in June with shopping centres experiencing the biggest decline, shows latest research from the Welsh Retail Consortium.
Footfall, across the assessed categories of shopping centres, retail parks and the high street, declined last month 3.3% on a year earlier.
Of all nations and regions of the 海角视频, the fall was only higher in Northern Ireland at 5.2%.
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England experienced a year-on-year fall of 1.4% and Scotland 3%. The only part of the 海角视频 to see a rise was the north west of England at 0.7%
Shopping centre footfall in Wales declined 5.1% in June with retail parks down 0.7%.
Of the 海角视频 core cities, Cardiff experienced a 4% year-on-year fall, ahead of Bristol, down 4.1%, Glasgow 4.6% and Belfast 5.3%. Only three cities experienced a rise with Edinburgh up 0.5%, Birmingham 0.7% and Manchester 8.8%.
Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium Sara Jones said: “Whilst retailers are working hard to deliver vibrant, engaging shopping experiences that attract customers and boost footfall, they can’t sail a solo recovery to help boost the Welsh economy.
“Given the hammering the industry has taken over recent months, with increased business rates and hikes to Employer National Insurance and the National Living Wage, the Welsh Government should consider what more can be done to boost the sector and support retailers to deliver investment back into Welsh stores. All eyes are now on the plans for Welsh business rates reform and ensuring this doesn’t further dampen retailer confidence and lead to a higher tax burden over the next 12 months.”
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TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION
GROWTH RANK |
NATION AND REGION |
Jun-25 |
May-25 |
1 |
North West England |
0.7% |
0.8% |
2 |
West Midlands |
-0.2% |
-0.6% |
3 |
East Midlands |
-0.8% |
-2.1% |
3 |
South East England |
-0.8% |
-2.8% |
5 |
England |
-1.4% |
-2.0% |
6 |
South West England |
-1.6% |
-1.3% |
7 |
North East England |
-1.8% |
-0.7% |
8 |
Yorkshire and the Humber |
-2.4% |
-2.8% |
9 |
London |
-2.7% |
-3.2% |
10 |
Scotland |
-3.0% |
-0.7% |
11 |
East of England |
-3.3% |
-3.7% |
11 |
Wales |
-3.3% |
-0.4% |
13 |
Northern Ireland |
-5.2% |
-1.4% |
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY
GROWTH RANK |
CITY |
Jun-25 |
May-25 |
1 |
Manchester |
8.8% |
3.9% |
2 |
Birmingham |
0.7% |
1.5% |
3 |
Edinburgh |
0.5% |
1.1% |
4 |
Leeds |
-2.3% |
-1.1% |
5 |
Nottingham |
-2.5% |
-2.5% |
6 |
London |
-2.7% |
-3.2% |
7 |
Liverpool |
-3.1% |
-3.0% |
8 |
Cardiff |
-4.0% |
-2.1% |
9 |
Bristol |
-4.1% |
-4.0% |
10 |
Glasgow |
-4.6% |
-1.2% |
11 |
Belfast |
-5.3% |
-1.9% |
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant Sensormatic Solutions, which carried out the research, said of the 海角视频 picture: “June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record, but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival.
"Total 海角视频 footfall was down 1.8% year-on-year, a gentler drop than the 2.3% fall seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline. Wales saw a steeper decline of minus 3.3%, reflecting the broader regional challenges. 海角视频 high streets fell 3% while retail parks and shopping centres dipped 1.1% and 1.6% respectively.
“One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline at a 海角视频 level is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum—especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.”