UK retail footfall returned to growth in March, but analysts have warned the recovery remains fragile after a weak start to the year.
According to the latest BRC–Sensormatic data covering the five weeks from 1 March to 4 April 2026, total UK footfall rose 2.4% year on year, a sharp improvement from a 4.7% decline in February. All major retail locations recorded gains: High Streets were up 2.0%, retail parks rose 2.5%, and shopping centres led the way with a 2.6% increase.
Performance also strengthened across all nations, with Northern Ireland seeing the largest rise at 4.9%, followed by Scotland (+3.2%), England (+2.3%) and Wales (+1.6%).
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said retailers had expected a stronger uplift from seasonal timing effects, noting that while shopping centres and some cities performed well, overall growth fell short of expectations. She warned that geopolitical tensions and cost-of-living pressures could weigh further on consumer confidence and spending in the months ahead.
"Shopping centres outperformed other locations, and cities like Manchester continued to do well, but overall growth fell short of expectations," Dickinson said. "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."
Sensormatic's Andy Sumpter said March marked a “welcome return to growth” but stressed the improvement needs caution. He highlighted the impact of Easter timing on the figures, arguing that underlying performance would likely have remained negative without seasonal support. He added that weakening confidence, higher living costs and uncertainty mean the key test will be whether footfall can hold up once the Easter boost fades and tougher year-on-year comparisons return.