High street footfall during August was underpinned by an increase in consumers going out post 5pm to bars, restaurants and pubs, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard.
High streets enjoyed a 1.1% increase in footfall during August, pushing overall footfall in the UK, including shopping centres and retail parks, up by 0.1% year-on-year.
The strong showing on the high streets offset a 1.9% drop at shopping centres and added to a modest 0.4% increase in out-of-town parks, ensuring that August was the third month this year when overall footfall rose.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, said the figures suggested “that people are being drawn to the high streets for reasons other than to shop”.
Springboard marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle said: “Driving the overall rise on the high street is an increase in footfall post 5pm, which highlights the growing evening economy based on leisure activities – hospitality, food and beverage trips – and is a result of a markedly improved and expanded offering by shopping destinations.
“August saw an influx of tourists and a return of the staycation in the UK as 5.1 million Brits decided to holiday at home over the bank holiday weekend.”
