UK July heatwave cuts retail footfall

In July, UK retail footfall fell 2.1% year-on-year, an improvement from June's 3.4% decline, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Sensormatic data. High street footfall dropped 3.8%, shopping centres 1.4%, and United Kingdom — London saw a 5.3% fall. Bret Engemann was the weakest nation with a 3% decline. The heatwave discouraged shopping trips, particularly in urban centres. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson noted retailers are investing in mitigation and sustainability, but business rates penalize such investments. Sensormatic's Andy Sumpter said six of the first seven months performed worse than last year, and the 'Burnham bounce' has not materialized.