Welsh retailers faced a significant drop in shopper numbers during April, according to new data from the Welsh Retail Consortium. Footfall across high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks fell by 13.8% compared to the same month last year, following a 1.6% year-on-year increase in March.
The decline was influenced by the earlier timing of Easter, which occurred in March this year. A more accurate comparison, combining March and April, shows footfall was down 5.8% year on year. In April alone, shopping centre footfall decreased by 12.1%, while retail parks saw a 12% drop.
All UK nations and regions experienced declines in April. Wales recorded the second steepest fall, behind Northern Ireland at 14.3%. Scotland saw the smallest decline at 5.2%, while England was down 11.3%.
In Cardiff, footfall fell by 11.1%. Among 11 core UK cities analysed, only Belfast (down 15.5%) and Liverpool (down 18%) saw larger decreases. Edinburgh fared best with a 3.8% drop.
Consumer Caution and Cost-of-Living Pressures
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, commented: "Footfall across Wales fell by 5.8% in March and April combined, compared with the same period in 2025, even after adjusting for the timing of Easter to ensure a like-for-like comparison.
"The figures point to a clear mood of caution among consumers, with fewer trips to retail destinations as households continue to feel the squeeze of higher living costs and weaker confidence.
"Even when seasonal distortions are smoothed out, the picture remains the same: a subdued and difficult start to the spring trading period."
Call for Business Rates Reform
Jones added: "In the wake of the recent Senedd election, attention now turns to how quickly the new parliament can help turn things around for Wales' struggling high streets. At the heart of that challenge is addressing the business rates system which is increasingly out of step with reality.
"The burden on bricks-and-mortar stores continues to act as a major brake on recovery. Retailers need the ability to survive, invest, and evolve – not simply absorb rising overheads. Easing the business rates burden would unlock vital capacity for investment in staff, store experience, and local communities, helping to breathe life back into town centres and restore the pull of the Welsh high street."
Expert Analysis
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, which conducted the research, said: "April delivered a stark reminder of the pressures facing retail footfall in Wales. Total retail visits fell 13.8% year-on-year, marking the weakest performance in over five years.
"While deeply disappointing, the scale of the decline needs to be viewed in context. Easter fell earlier this year, drawing a significant volume of activity into March and leaving April with a much tougher comparison. Even when viewed across the two months, the picture remains challenging.
"Combined, March and April footfall in Wales was down minus 5.8%, the weakest result of the devolved nations. With consumer confidence falling and cost-of-living pressures persisting, shoppers are becoming more selective – making fewer trips, but with clearer intent when they do.
"In a month where even a 'good' result would likely have remained negative, it's difficult not to be disappointed. That said, opportunity remains. Those who are out and about are often there to spend, making every shopper more valuable. After the country headed to the polls, retailers would do well to remember that shoppers will continue to vote with their feet – and winning their custom will depend on delivering value, relevance and good reasons to return."
