Retail tech experts MRI Software has released March’s retail footfall data for Scotland, where footfall across the country rose 5.3% during the month, with high streets seeing a standout 9.1% uplift.
This was helped by better weather, payday, and Mother’s Day.
The return to office also continues to support retail recovery.
Year-on-year trends are also up (+3.7%), pointing to a steady recovery as weekday and weekend activity picks up.
However, the momentum faces headwinds — a £5.56 billion UK budget bill is set to hit in April, forcing retailers to absorb costs, raise prices, and accelerate digital efficiency projects.
“This uplift (in March) was predominantly driven by a 9.1% rise in high streets followed by an increase of 0.4% and 2.1% in retail parks and shopping centres, respectively,” said MRI.
“Both trends were influenced by the final week of the month which coincided with events including payday and Mother’s Day.
“Despite the shift in Easter holiday timings this year, footfall remained 3.7% higher than last year with strong activity recorded in high streets (+6.5%), retail parks (+1.7%), and shopping centres (+0.2%).
“This was mainly driven by the final week of the month where footfall was 8.9% higher in all UK retail destinations however this is in comparison to Easter weekend last year and will be abnormally higher due to retail stores and destinations remaining closed on Easter Sunday.”
However, MRI warned: “Heading into April there is no steering away from the fact that retailers, as well as many other sectors, are about to be hit with a £5.56bn bill, as reported in the latest Yoobic and Retail Economics report, following the measures implemented during the Autumn budget in 2024.
“While £1.76bn will be absorbed by retailers themselves, it’s estimated that £1.72bn will be passed onto the consumer through price increases.
“The remaining £2.08bn is likely to be invested by retail leaders in cost optimisation projects that will drive operational efficiencies with digital transformation strategies set to deliver high impact in terms of cost and productivity.
“In addition to the increase in certain household bills, including energy and council tax, also set to impact the consumer this month, it’s important for retail leaders to have the latest trends analysis in relation to their portfolio’s performance at their fingertips to be able to adapt swiftly.”