Matt Clark, EMEA Leader of Retail at AlixPartners, comments on the August BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor

"August's footfall data tells a familiar story - a lot of structural headwinds still to work through, but not without a few green shoots. While the Burnham bounce has given consumer confidence a welcome lift, prolonged summer heat kept shoppers away from the high street, with discretionary spend shifting online and overall activity softening as a result. 

 

"The more pressing concern is what lies ahead. UK retailers are heading into peak trading season — back-to-school now, Christmas around the corner — while still carrying significant cost pressure from inflation, tax, and ongoing global volatility in fuel and food prices.  

"The Budget will be a defining moment as a signal of whether the Government is serious about giving retailers the cost relief they need to grow sustainably. Temporary boosts don't build long-term businesses. 

 

"Crucially, retailers shouldn’t wait for conditions to improve. The back-to-school window is open now. Those retailers that use their customer data and loyalty programmes to drive genuinely personalised experiences will be best placed when Christmas trading arrives."