Rail strikes will once again hit footfall and "compound storm misery" for retail

The rail strikes scheduled for 29 January – 6 February 2024 are forecast to bring more misery for retailers, according to retail analysts MRI Software.

Over the nine-day period, overtime bans and rolling strikes across the UK are expected to impact businesses reliant on commuter footfall. The strikes will also come off the back of recent Storms Isha and Jocelyn, which caused travel chaos and disrupted retailers as shoppers avoided making journeys.

Major regional cities and central London "will be hardest hit", with previous strike action seeing footfall drop between -8% to -20%.

Jenni Matthews, Head of Marketing and Insights at MRI Software, said: "While we anticipate footfall to decline next week due to the rail disruption, it is likely to be less severe than on previous strike days. This is due to footfall levels already dropping significantly this week as a result of Storms Isha and Jocelyn.

"This will no doubt impact businesses reliant on commuter footfall such as leisure and hospitality, particularly in regional cities and London. However, there may be optimism for local towns and centres benefiting from those working from home and choosing to venture out during the working day."