March footfall disappoints despite early Easter and school holidays

Total UK footfall increased by 2.4% year-on-year in March, but with the Easter break and school holidays falling earlier this year than last, footfall comparisons are “artificially higher”, according to the latest data from BRC-Sensormatic.

Covering the five weeks from 1 March to 4 April 2026 (with Good Friday falling on 3 April this year compared to 18 April in 2025), the best footfall could be found in shopping centres, which saw an increase of 2.6% year-on-year in March.

That was closely followed by retail parks, which saw a year-on-year footfall increase of 2.5%.

Meanwhile, high street footfall increased by just 2% year-on-year in March. Footfall also increased year-on-year across all nations: up 1.6% in Wales, 2.3% in England, 3.2% in Scotland and the largest increase of 4.9% in Northern Ireland.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, retailers were expecting a stronger boost to footfall than March delivered. Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well, but overall growth fell short of expectations.

“Warmer weather might help sustain footfall in the months ahead, but without an Easter uplift in April, momentum is far from guaranteed.

“Looking ahead, the conflict in the Middle East is weighing heavily on both retailer and consumer confidence, with further pressure on the cost of living potentially likely to hit footfall. Government can play its part supporting households by easing pressures created by domestic policy costs. Cutting these costs would free up retailers to invest more in value, experience and their in-store offer – the things that help footfall and create more vibrant local economies.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: “March brought a welcome return to growth for UK retail footfall, with total retail rising by 2.4% – the first positive month in nearly a year. On the surface, this marks an encouraging shift in momentum, however, the improvement needs to be viewed in context.

“Much of March’s uplift was driven by an Easter boost, with Easter week falling into this year’s March trading period. Last year’s comparison was also relatively weak due to the later timing of Easter, amplifying the apparent growth. Without the final week’s Easter bump, March would likely have remained in negative territory - raising questions over how April may perform, particularly against much stronger comparables last year.

“Ongoing pressures continue to shape consumer behaviour. Declining confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs - especially fuel - are still encouraging caution and fewer discretionary trips.

“March’s return to growth is a step in the right direction, but the real test will be whether footfall can hold once the Easter boost passes and tougher comparisons return.”