June heatwave keeps shoppers away from the high street in blow to retailers

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, said: “These latest footfall figures show how a cool shopping environment is fast becoming an even greater competitive advantage as retailers are forced to adapt to changing weather systems.

“Air conditioning is no longer simply about customer comfort, it’s increasingly becoming a commercial necessity, to lure customers in.

“As hotter summers become more frequent and intense, stores that can offer shoppers relief from the heat are likely to have an edge over competitors that haven’t moved with the climate times.

“In June as the temperatures rose sharply, high streets suffered the sharpest decline, while enclosed shopping centres, where air conditioning is more common, proved more resilient.

“It suggests the weather isn’t simply reducing shopping activity, but it’s changing where consumers choose to spend their time.

“Retail parks also held up relatively well, benefiting from easier parking and shorter walks between air-conditioned stores.

“Getting the temperature right is even more important when shoppers are already feeling the strain of tighter budgets, and the uncertainty caused by the war with Iran and fresh inflationary pressures.

“The record-breaking heatwave has also exposed the growing operational challenges facing retailers.

“Chaos has been reported at supermarkets as chiller units have broken down under the strain of exceptionally high temperatures, leading to empty shelves, spoiled stock and disruption for customers.

“Extreme weather is creating both commercial opportunities for businesses that are prepared and costly problems for those whose infrastructure isn’t equipped to cope.”