Riots Cause 4.8% Decline In Footfall On UK High Streets As Shoppers Avoid Areas Amid Looting Fears

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This decline, reported by real estate software firm MRI Software, significantly outpaces the 2.7% drop seen across all UK retail destinations, including shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks.

The most severe impact was felt on Wednesday, when footfall on high streets fell by 7.5% as fears of renewed rioting and counter-protests kept shoppers away. Northern England and Yorkshire bore the brunt of the disruption, with footfall down by a striking 12.9% compared to the previous week. The West Midlands also saw a significant decrease, with a 10.6% drop.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) convened an urgent meeting on Wednesday with approximately 190 representatives from various retailers, including small shops, large chains, and takeaway outlets, to address the safety of shop staff amid the ongoing unrest. Retailers are closely monitoring the situation and may opt to close some shops early if necessary.

Helen Dickinson, the BRC⁘s chief executive, expressed concern over the safety of retail workers, stating: ⁘Many retail workers have been heading to work fearing their stores and their safety could be compromised by the looting and vandalism that has taken grip in various parts of the country.⁘ She urged authorities to enforce the ⁘full force of the law⁘ against those responsible for the criminal damage and theft targeting retailers.

The recent unrest has led to the looting of supermarkets, shoe shops, and other retailers. In response, the Association of British Insurers assured affected businesses that insurers are ready to assist as quickly as possible during this challenging time.

Fast fashion giant Shein is scouting UK warehouse sites in the Midlands as it plans a £50bn listing on the London Stock Exchange, aiming to boost its e-commerce operations ahead of the float.

Roach Bridge Tissues, a specialised printer and converter of wrapping tissue paper, serves the retail POS and e-commerce markets with a diverse clientele that includes designer apparel, footwear, cut glass, pottery, wine bottle wrapping, interleaving for sheet metals, optical lenses, and home removals packaging.