UK footfall in June declined at the fastest rates since February 2014 on the back of a “political and economic storm” and bad weather conditions, according to new research.

The latest BRC-Springboard footfall and vacancies monitor revealed that footfall dropped by 2.8% in June, with high streets reporting a 3.7% fall.

The best performing nation/region was Wales reporting a 0.9% rise in footfall, improving on the 0.8% increase in May. All other countries and regions reported a decline in June.

Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director, Springboard, said: “With such major political and economic news in June, it is unsurprising that there was drop in footfall of 2.8% across the UK in June, the poorest monthly result for more than two years and a marked worsening of performance since May when footfall rose slightly by 0.3%.

“The results are shaped by a political and economic storm against a backdrop of rain downpours and generally inclement weather throughout the whole month.”

Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “Retailers continue to focus relentlessly on delivering for shoppers day in, day out, and they know that providing a great in-store experience is key to driving up footfall. Although there is a level of uncertainty, it is important that this doesn’t deter us from the shopping and leisure activities we all enjoy.

“The EU referendum will not have changed the in-store experience for customers and, crucially, the price of goods on the shelves. Now is a great time for shoppers as the summer sales begin in earnest following on from a record 38 months of falling shop prices.”

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