No boost for summer retail as 1 in 7 shops still lie empty

A HOPED-for summer shot in the arm for retail has failed to materialise for the second consecutive year, with one in seven shops empty.

- By Josie Clarke

Latest figures showed total UK footfall was down by 0.4% year-on-year in July. Meanwhile, shoppers’ visits to the high street fell by 1.7%.

The data by British Retail Consortium-Sensormatic reveals shopping centre numbers were down by 0.3%. However, retail park visits were up 1.7% on a year ago — reflecting continued new openings by major brands.

Footfall in Wales was up 0.4% on the previous year, but it declined in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland by 0.3%, 1.3% and 3% respectively.