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Riots cause 4.8% decline in footfall on UK high streets as shoppers avoid areas amid looting fears

August 9, 2024

British shoppers looking to cut the cost of big purchases are travelling to the Continent where tax breaks are still offered.

Footfall on UK high streets has plummeted by an average of 4.8% between Sunday and Wednesday, as recent rioting across England and Belfast deterred shoppers, leading to widespread vandalism and looting.

This decline, reported by real estate software firm MRI Software, significantly outpaces the 2.7% drop seen across all UK retail destinations, including shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks.

The most severe impact was felt on Wednesday, when footfall on high streets fell by 7.5% as fears of renewed rioting and counter-protests kept shoppers away. Northern England and Yorkshire bore the brunt of the disruption, with footfall down by a striking 12.9% compared to the previous week. The West Midlands also saw a significant decrease, with a 10.6% drop.

The unrest has prompted many shops and businesses to board up their premises or close early, particularly on Wednesday when police warned of potential violence from over 100 far-right-led rallies planned across England. However, the day saw thousands of counter-protesters taking to the streets in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, and London, aiming to protect their communities.

This slump in footfall comes at a time when UK high streets would typically see an increase in visitors, as the school summer holidays begin and families embark on day trips. The recent decline is a stark contrast to the strong start to the summer, where shops, leisure, and hospitality sectors had enjoyed a boost thanks to events like the Euro 2024 football tournament, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and the Paris Olympic Games, which are set to conclude on Sunday.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) convened an urgent meeting on Wednesday with approximately 190 representatives from various retailers, including small shops, large chains, and takeaway outlets, to address the safety of shop staff amid the ongoing unrest. Retailers are closely monitoring the situation and may opt to close some shops early if necessary.

Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, expressed concern over the safety of retail workers, stating: “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.” She urged authorities to enforce the “full force of the law” against those responsible for the criminal damage and theft targeting retailers.

The recent unrest has led to the looting of supermarkets, shoe shops, and other retailers. In response, the Association of British Insurers assured affected businesses that insurers are ready to assist as quickly as possible during this challenging time.