UK retail footfall returned to growth in March but the uplift was largely driven by the earlier timing of Easter, raising concerns over underlying consumer demand heading into Q2.
Latest data from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic shows total UK footfall increased by 2.4% year-on-year across the five weeks to 4 April, reversing February’s 4.7% decline.
All retail destinations recorded growth, with shopping centres leading the recovery at +2.6%, followed by retail parks at +2.5% and high streets at +2.0%. Footfall also rose across every UK nation, with Northern Ireland seeing the strongest increase at 4.9%, followed by Scotland at 3.2%, England at 2.3% and Wales at 1.6%.
However, the data was heavily influenced by calendar effects, with Easter falling in March this year compared to April in 2025. This shift provided a temporary boost to footfall, distorting year-on-year comparisons and masking weaker underlying trends.
EASTER UPLIFT
The figures suggest that without the Easter uplift, footfall would likely have remained in negative territory, with retailers now facing tougher comparisons and uncertain consumer demand in April.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, says: “With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered.
“Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well but overall growth fell short of expectations. Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed.”
She adds: “Looking ahead, the conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on both retailer and consumer confidence, with further pressure on the cost of living potentially likely to hit footfall.
“Government can play its part supporting households by easing pressures created by domestic policy costs. Cutting these costs would free up retailers to invest more in value, experience and their in-store offer – the things that help footfall and create more vibrant local economies.”
GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA at Sensormatic, says: “On the surface, this marks an encouraging shift in momentum, however, the improvement needs to be viewed in context.
“Much of March’s uplift was driven by an Easter boost, with Easter week falling into this year’s March trading period.
“Last year’s comparison was also relatively weak due to the later timing of Easter, amplifying the apparent growth. Without the final week’s Easter bump, March would likely have remained in negative territory – raising questions over how April may perform, particularly against much stronger comparables last year.
“Ongoing pressures continue to shape consumer behaviour. Declining confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs – especially fuel – are still encouraging caution and fewer discretionary trips.
“March’s return to growth is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether footfall can hold once the Easter boost passes and tougher comparisons return.”
