Why are we so surprised when it rains in the UK?
Latest reports suggest that the number of people heading out to the shops fell for the first time in July in 14 years as the UK struggled with one of the wettest months on record.
Overall footfall was down by 0.3% (that doesn’t seem high to me) – in the first drop in July since 2009, latest reports suggest. High Streets were hit hardest but shopping centres and retail parks got a boost in visitor numbers.
Not all bad
Soft play areas and cinemas have enjoyed a business boost. Also holiday parks are taking last minute bookings as discounts are offered.
Aside from the rain, the rising cost of living and rail disruption were also behind the fall. Shoppers have been battling with one of the wettest Julys on record, according to provisional reports.
High Streets in coastal towns were especially hard hit, with footfall dropping 4.6%, as the rain kept people away from beaches.
July’s figures also appeared to demonstrate the harsh reality of the impact of interest rate rises on consumers, combined with rain and the continuing transport and rail turmoil traveller have to endure in the UK.
Moving on
Digressing from the real report here, which is the slowdown in UK shopping habits due to the rain – we ought to remember that in the South West there is a hose pipe ban. This ban has been in force since summer 2022! And, the UK looses excessive amounts of water through leaks.
Ironic isn’t it. All that rain and we just don’t store enough! How do other ‘hot’ countries manage? Anyway, at least we can go shopping, or not as the case may be!