Retail footfall down as Iran war saps consumer confidence, industry warns

The number of people visiting Scotland’s shops fell last month as the conflict in the Middle East sapped consumer confidence, according to analysis.

Data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Sensormatic shows footfall decreased 5.2% year-on-year in April.

Shopping centre footfall fell 4.2% year-on-year last month while retail park footfall decreased 3%.

The data covers the four weeks from April 5 to May 2.

Analysts said the Easter period was included in the figures for March this year, resulting in an artificially higher March, but lower April footfall.

Taking March and April together and comparing them with the same two months in 2025 to cancel out any impact from Easter shows Scottish footfall decreased by 1%.

SRC director David Lonsdale said: “Visits to Scottish stores went into reverse last month, falling by over 5%. The dip was pronounced due to Easter falling early this year, which brought forward foot-traffic to shops.

“Whilst the drop was expected that will have been of little consolation to shopkeepers. The footfall decline was felt across all destinations, albeit Scotland’s performance was the least-worst of all 12 parts of the UK monitored.

“This comes at a tricky time for retailers who have seen employment costs spike whilst absorbing additional outlays on fuel and shipping due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“The conflict is also sapping consumer confidence at a time when household budgets have been strained by successive near double-digit increases in water bills and council tax.

“Hopefully the next first minister and devolved government will bring fresh energy to reinvigorating Scotland’s high streets.”

He said retail destinations can be a “springboard to help the economy bounce back”.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, said: “Looked at together, March and April combined were down just 1%, the best performance of the devolved nations.

“Even so, with consumer confidence falling and cost-of-living pressures persisting, it’s clear that 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.”