July’s heatwaves kept UK shoppers away from high street
UK retail footfall declined by 3.8% in July as extreme heatwaves discouraged shoppers from visiting high streets. Many consumers opted for online shopping instead, prompting retail leaders to call for government reform regarding business rates.
Why it matters
The trend highlights the growing economic impact of climate change on traditional brick-and-mortar retail and the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation.
A woman uses an umbrella to shield herself from the sun while on Oxford Street in London. A woman uses an umbrella to shield herself from the sun while on Oxford Street in London. Retail industry July’s heatwaves kept UK shoppers away from high street Visits down 3.8% after 6.2% fall in June, with many choosing to buy online instead, research for retail body finds
Prefer the Guardian on Google Shoppers stayed away from UK high streets during last month’s heatwave temperatures , with many choosing to buy online instead as the mercury in some areas rose into the mid-30Cs.
Trips to high streets were down by 3.8% year on year in July after a 6.2% fall in June, according to research from the monitoring firm Sensormatic for the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Visitors to shopping centres also declined, but those at retail parks returned to growth.
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