Shop visits have fallen as the summer temperatures rise to a boil, according to newly released figures.
Data from retail analyst FootFall’s latest index shows that high street visitor numbers have dropped by 2.6% compared to last week, which it blames largely on increasing temperatures.
The latest heatwave has ‘ended the desire’ for people to hit the shops, the report claims, as consumer are choosing to enjoy the weather with their friends and family.
“We had been having a good run of people returning to the shops and spending over the last four weeks,” said Natasha Burton, spokesperson for FootFall. “However, as the period of extreme weather continues, it is keeping consumers away from the shops as they choose to enjoy the weather with friends and family.
She added that the heat has been driving comfort purchases for necessity items such as fans and air conditioning units and other leisure items, including barbecue goods and ice creams. However, other leisure activities and trips tend to fill the gap previously occupied by shopping.
Of those shoppers who are going out, she said they are favouring indoor destinations where they can avoid the heat and stay where the temperature is controlled.
“It is not all gloom and doom though,” Burton added. “With the start of the school holidays next week, retailers should see a rise in footfall.
“Historically, it presents extra opportunities for shopping trips as people prepare for summer holidays in the UK or abroad, so retailers should be prepared.”
