Footfall on UK high streets has plummeted by an average of 4.8% between Sunday and Wednesday due to recent rioting across England and Belfast, deterring shoppers and leading to widespread vandalism and looting.
This decline, reported by MRI Software, significantly outpaces the 2.7% drop seen across all UK retail destinations, including shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks.
Significant Decline in Footfall
The impact of the decline in footfall was most severe on Wednesday, with high streets experiencing a 7.5% decrease as fears of renewed rioting and counter-protests escalated. This marks a substantial deviation from typical mid-week trends.
Northern England and Yorkshire saw the most significant impact, with footfall plummeting by a striking 12.9% compared to the previous week. The West Midlands was also notably affected, with a 10.6% drop.
Retailers’ Response to Unrest
In response to the unrest, many shops and businesses chose to board up their premises or close early, especially on Wednesday. Law enforcement had warned of potential violence from over 100 far-right-led rallies planned across England, prompting these precautions.
Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets in various cities, including Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, and London, aiming to protect their communities from escalating tensions.
Unrest During Peak Shopping Season
The current decline in footfall is particularly impactful as it comes during a peak shopping season, coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays when high streets typically see an increase in visitors.
This slump is a stark contrast to the early summer period, where retail sectors had previously benefited from events such as the Euro 2024 football tournament, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and the Paris Olympic Games.
British Retail Consortium’s Urgent Measures
Amid the ongoing unrest, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) held an urgent meeting with approximately 190 representatives from various retailers. The focus was on addressing the safety concerns of shop staff and potential strategies to mitigate risks.
Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, expressed grave concerns for the wellbeing of retail workers. She called for authorities to enforce the full force of the law against those responsible for the criminal activities targeting retailers.
Insurance Assistance for Affected Businesses
The unrest has resulted in the looting of numerous supermarkets, shoe shops, and other retail establishments across the country. This has led to significant financial losses for many businesses.
In response to the damage, the Association of British Insurers has assured affected businesses that insurers are ready to provide assistance as quickly as possible, emphasising their support during this challenging time.
Impact on Retail Workers
Many retail workers have been going to work with the fear that their stores and their own safety could be at risk due to the ongoing looting and vandalism.
Helen Dickinson’s remarks highlight the serious nature of the threat faced by retail employees: ‘Many retail workers have been heading to work fearing their stores and their safety could be compromised by the looting and vandalism that has taken grip in various parts of the country.’
Ongoing Monitoring by Retailers
Retailers are continuously monitoring the situation, considering early closures of shops to ensure the safety of both their staff and customers. The volatile nature of the unrest makes it imperative for businesses to stay vigilant.
The riots have caused a significant 4.8% decline in footfall on UK high streets, with certain regions experiencing even greater reductions.
As the unrest continues, retailers and authorities are working diligently to protect both businesses and the public, aiming to restore normalcy and safety in affected areas.
