Matt Clark, EMEA Head of Retail at AlixPartners, comments on the BRC's January footfall monitor

“After the crucial Christmas trading period, high street retailers are feeling the pressure to push ahead. Although there was a subdued increase in footfall, likely triggered by the January sales and value-seeking behaviour, December’s figures are a low comparator and the numbers are still down year-on-year. Combined with overall constrained discretionary spend, it’s tricky to confirm whether consumer confidence and high street performance really are increasing. 
 
“Due to January’s poor weather conditions, the high street has been at a particular disadvantage. Shopping centres are slightly less affected, and although retail parks saw a mild increase in footfall this month, neither benefit from consumers shifting spend online. However, the government’s recently announced £150 million targeted support package for struggling high streets is a welcome acknowledgement of the pressure facing the sector.
 
“In 2026, retailers are facing an existential threat. Driving like-for-like growth and winning market share is not just essential, it’s critical — otherwise the economics of retail simply won’t work. Further restructurings, distress and consolidation are likely, unless action is taken. The differentiator will be in retailers’ responses: those that create distinctive products and compelling, tailored experiences can still win, even amid such disruption.”