Retailers have taken a hit in footfall as shoppers avoid UK high streets after rioting in England and Belfast led to shops being vandalised and looted.
Footfall across UK high streets decreased by an average of 4.8% between Sunday and Wednesday (4-7 August), compared to the same period the week before, according to new data from MRI Software.
On Wednesday, high street footfall dropped 7.5% as shoppers were deterred by an expected new wave of rioting and protests planned for the day.
Regional cities outside of London are said to have witnessed the greatest impact, particularly in Yorkshire and the West Midlands. These areas saw footfall decline by 12.9% and 10.6%, respectively.
“At this time of year we would expect to see a boost in footfall across UK towns and cities as the school summer holidays get underway and families look to take day trips. However, footfall remains significantly lower both week-on-week and year-on-year,” a statement from MRI Software reads.
“Following a strong start to the summer for retail, leisure and hospitality with the Euros, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and also the Paris Olympics, all driving footfall and a boost to the economy, this latest setback threatens to negate those gains made. Despite this, the retail sector’s resilience amidst these setbacks remains a core strength for the industry.”
Police, the Home Office and the Government joined UK retailers in urgent talks earlier this week over how to protect their staff and customers as they brace for more rioting expected to break out across the country.
Trade group the British Retail Consortium (BRC) held a community meeting for its members on Wednesday morning. The organisation represents more than 200 major retailers as well as thousands of smaller independents who are represented by its trade association members.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) also said it was doing what it could to help small firms worried about being caught up in the unrest.
Shops are being urged to remove displays and equipment such as tables and chairs outside shops that could be stolen or used by rioters as missiles. Retailers are also considering closing their stores early or temporarily if they have concerns about unrest taking place nearby.
High street cosmetics retailer Lush said on Monday it was “devastated” by attacks on its store in Hull and “how our retailers have also been treated”.
The brand’s store was left with smashed front windows and products littered outside the front door after the fifth day of unrest on Saturday, one week on from the Southport stabbings. It was one of several retailers hit last weekend, also including Shoe Zone and the Holiday Inn.