Record temperatures kept shoppers away from stores in June, with UK retail footfall falling 3.4% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic Solutions.

The decline was steeper than May’s 2.6% fall, with high streets experiencing the sharpest drop in visitor numbers. High street footfall fell 6.2%, while shopping centres recorded a 2.5% decline. Retail parks proved the most resilient, with footfall down just 0.3%.

Regionally, Scotland was the only nation to record growth, with footfall increasing 1.7%, while England saw the largest decline at 3.0%. Northern Ireland and Wales recorded falls of 0.9% and 2.3% respectively.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said the record heatwave had discouraged shoppers from visiting stores, particularly on high streets, while air-conditioned shopping centres and retail parks performed more strongly.

She added that retailers continued to face significant pressure from rising operating costs, arguing that reforms to business rates and lower energy costs would help businesses invest, create jobs and support local high streets.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, said consumers remained cautious, making fewer and more considered shopping trips. He added that exceptionally high temperatures, particularly in southern England, and disruption caused by major sporting events were likely to have contributed to lower footfall during the month.

The figures cover the five weeks from 31 May to 5 July 2026.

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