Northern Ireland retailers concerned by poor footfall figures
With a 5.2% decrease in Northern Ireland footfall in June (year-on-year), retailers across the region have voiced their concerns.
The June figure is down from -1.4% in May. Meanwhile, footfall in Belfast decreased by 5.3% (year-on-year) in the same five-week period from 1st June to 5th July, down from -1.6% in May, while shopping centre footfall decreased by 6.0% in June, down from -1.6% in May, the figures from NIRC-Sensormatic reveal.
Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston said it was concerning that footfall figures continue to fall on a monthly basis.
“The UK figure for June is 1.8% less than June last year, while in Northern Ireland the figure is down 5.2%,” said Neil Johnston.
“The new government entered office a year ago and made much of its intention to revive the High Street. To date we have seen very little to make that desire a reality. Indeed, the impact of the National Insurance hikes introduced in April this year clearly is still having a negative impact on retailers and the wider economy.
“In London the government is at least holding out the prospect of business rates reform to help the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. In NI, retailing carries a heavy burden in terms of rates while other sectors receive considerable relief. There is room for Stormont to do more to help,” he added.
“Retailers in Northern Ireland are also facing the continuing burdens of the Windsor Framework. The requirements of the Framework in the form of ‘Not for EU’ labelling enter the third, most complex phase, in July. This is a significant challenge for retailers.
“Retailers have to date ensured that the bureaucracy of the Framework has not impacted on the broad range of choice and value for money available to consumers in Northern Ireland.
“We continue to look to the government to ensure that the internal market for retail products in the UK is protected. With UK government help and a proportionate approach by the EU we hope to be able to continue to serve the consumers of Northern Ireland in the way we have in the past.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions said: “June delivered heatwaves, storms, and what could be the hottest June on record – but even the sunshine wasn’t enough to spark a retail revival.
“Total UK footfall was down -1.8% year-on-year, a gentler drop than the -2.3% seen in June 2024, but still a decline on last year’s decline. Northern Ireland saw a steeper decline of -5.1%, reflecting the broader regional challenges. UK High Streets fell -3.0%, while Retail Parks and Shopping Centres dipped -1.1% and -1.6% respectively.
“One year on from the general election, with footfall still in the red, it appears that consumer confidence has yet to find its feet. That said, the rate of decline at a UK level is easing, and with summer now in full swing, retailers have an opportunity to turn seasonal footfall into sustained momentum—especially those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure.”
