Overview
- UK shopper visits rose 2.4% year on year in March, BRC and Sensormatic data show, after declines in January and February.
- The month’s increase was skewed by Easter falling in March, and analysts said the final week’s boost likely prevented a decline.
- Shopping centres led with visits up 2.6%, followed by retail parks at 2.5% and high streets at 2%.
- Performance varied by place, with Manchester above 9% growth and London about 3.3%, and all UK nations posted gains led by Northern Ireland at 4.9%.
- Business leaders warned momentum looks fragile given April cost hikes and Middle East uncertainty that could raise energy bills and dent confidence.