Footfall growth below expectations as Iran war weighs on shopper confidence

Worries over the impact of the Middle East conflict on household budgets led to weaker retail footfall traffic than hoped for over the past month, new figures revealed this morning.

With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, it was expected footfall figures would show a big rise versus the same period in 2025.

However, total UK footfall rose by just 2.4% in the five weeks to 4 April, compared with a 4.7% drop in the previous month, according to the BRC-Sensormatic monitor.

High street footfall increased 2% in March, up from a 5.4% decrease in February, while retail parks saw traffic rise 2.5% and shopping centres recorded a 2.6% uplift.

It is the first growth in footfall recorded in almost a year. But BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said growth fell short of expectations.

“With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered,” she added.

“Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed.

“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.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic said: “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.”