Shoppers have been deterred from visiting the High Street in the UK due to the record rainstorms that hit the country in July, resulting in a 0.3% decline in overall footfall for the month.

This marks the first July with a drop in footfall since 2009. Retail analysis firm Springboard reported that High Streets were particularly affected, while shopping centres and retail parks saw a boost in visitor numbers. Apart from the adverse weather conditions, rising living costs and rail disruptions also contributed to the decrease in footfall.

Springboard's Diane Wehrle warned that even if the weather improves, shoppers might continue to stay away. As the country heads towards Christmas spending, footfall may further decline in the latter part of the summer. Coastal towns' High Streets experienced a significant decline of 4.6%, as the rain kept people away from beaches.

On a positive note, the wet weather benefited other sectors, including cinemas, which experienced a spike in sales. Vue Box Office revenue increased by 36% compared to the same month in 2022. Independent cinemas like Rio in Hackney reported a boost in visitors, attributing it to successful films and the rainy weather. Indoor play centres also saw increased demand, with Scallywags in the West Midlands recording its busiest month since opening 19 years ago. Customers sought weather-proof activities for their children, and the wet weather played a role in driving them indoors. Photo by Dave Playfair, Wikimedia commons.