According to retail experts Springboard, last week’s storms heavily impacted footfall across the UK, with a -3.8% decline from the week before and drops in all three destination types, leaving hopes for a high half-term footfall falling flat.
The regional results reflect the impact of the storms, with only Greater London, Scotland and Northern Ireland recording increases in footfall.
The largest drops in footfall occurred in Wales (-9.7%), the South West (-7.8%), the South East (-5.7%) and North & Yorkshire (-5%).
The drop in footfall from the week before meant that the gap from 2019 widened to -26.3% last week from -21.2% in the week before, with the uplift from 2021 diminishing to +122.4% from +149%.
Diane Wehrle, Insights Director at Springboard, commented: “Unsurprisingly, footfall across UK retail destinations last week was majorly affected by the severe storms, which negated the positive impact of the start of the February school half-term break.
“Storm Eunice landed on Friday and led to significant declines in footfall on both Friday and Saturday. Prior to that Storm Dudley had hit UK shores on Wednesday, but in overall terms this had a more minor impact on footfall.
“Inevitably high streets felt the greatest effects of the weather, with a slightly stronger result in shopping centres – the vast majority of which offer shelter from the elements – and in retail parks which are easy to access by car.”
