Published 3rd Mar 2023, 06:00 BST

Yorkshire’s footfall figures rose by only 6.1 per cent when compared to last year, while London saw the most growth with 15.8 per cent. Wales came second highest with a 14.9 per cent increase in footfall.

Although total UK footfall for February increased by 10.4 per cent, the figures are 2.1 percentage points worse than January and worse than the 3-month average increase of 12.8 per cent. Total Footfall was 8.8 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Growth in footfall slowed this month after the rush of Christmas shopping and January sales. Some people are making fewer visits as the cost of living continues to bear down ahead of the April energy price rise.

Yorkshire and the Humber retail sectors saw the second lowest increase in year-on-year footfall last month when compared to other regions and nations, according to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data.

“Consumer demand remains fragile, owing to the ongoing cost of living crisis and weak consumer confidence. Many retailers are investing in their store experience, and all continue to support customers with the cost of living. But it is vital that Government does not burden the retail industry with additional regulatory costs that hinder investment.”

Looking at where growth was recorded, total footfall on UK high streets increased by 17.8 per cent in February when compared with last year. This is, however, 2.4 percentage points worse than last month's rate.

Shopping Centre footfall increased by 11.7 per cent, 0.7 percentage points worse than last month's rate but marginally better than the 3-month average rise of 11.3 per cent. Retail Parks, however, saw footfall decrease by 3.3 per cent.

Compared to pre-pandemic levels, high street footfall was 7.7 per cent lower, and footfall in retail parks decreased.

Rise in footfall for Yorkshire and the Humber retail sector falls behind UK average