Title: Scottish Shopper Footfall Latest: Can an Easter Rebound Boost Retailers’ Spirits in 2025?

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As Scotland’s retail sector grapples with a challenging start to 2025, the spotlight now turns to whether the Easter period can spark a much-needed uplift in shopper footfall. Recent data reveals a concerning decline in March foot traffic across Scotland’s high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks. However, with Easter holidays arriving later in April this year, retailers are cautiously optimistic that the seasonal boost could revive consumer activity and bolster sales.

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March 2025 Footfall: A Disappointing Start to Spring

Footfall data for March 2025 paints a sobering picture for Scottish retailers. Overall shopper visits across Scotland dropped by 6.6% compared to the same month last year[1][3]. This decline marks a sharp deterioration from February’s near-stable figures and contrasts sharply with the UK-wide average fall of 5.4% in March[3].

Breaking down the figures by retail environment:

• Shopping centres saw the steepest drop, with footfall decreasing by an average of 9.1% year-on-year[4].
• Retail parks experienced a smaller decline of 1.1% compared to March 2024[4].
• High street footfall fell by around 4%, signaling a steady reduction in traditional city-centre visits[3].

The decline across retail venues reflects ongoing consumer caution amid persistent economic uncertainties and rising living costs[3][5].

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Factors Behind Reduced Shopper Visits

Several factors have contributed to the March slump in Scottish retail footfall:

• Timing of Easter: In 2024, Easter fell in March, boosting shopper visits during that month. In 2025, with Easter shifted to late April, March missed out on this important seasonal lift[3]. Retailers now hope the April holidays will trigger a rebound.
• Economic Climate: Consumer confidence remains fragile due to inflationary pressures, rising operational costs for shops, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting spending habits[3][5].
• Shift in Shopping Preferences: The continued growth of online shopping and preference for retail parks with free parking and diversified offerings have drawn footfall away from traditional high streets and shopping centres[3][5].
• Rising Costs for Retailers: Retailers face a £7 billion increase in operational expenses, including higher National Insurance and new levies, limiting their ability to invest in customer experience and store improvements[5].

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, highlighted that while retail parks held up better due to their combined retail, leisure, and hospitality offerings, high streets and shopping centres continue to struggle[3][5].

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Retail Parks vs High Streets: A Tale of Two Performers

Recent trends emphasize a growing divide in footfall performance across different retail formats:

| Retail Venue | March 2025 Footfall Change YoY | Key Drivers | |---------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Retail Parks | -1.1% | Free parking, leisure/hospitality mix boosting visits | | Shopping Centres | -9.1% | Declining visits due to competition and economic pressures | | High Streets | -4% | Weaker than retail parks but less severe than shopping centres|

Retail parks have emerged as relative winners, maintaining visitor levels better than other venues. Investment in diverse retail mixes and amenities has made them attractive destinations for consumers seeking convenience and leisure in one place[5].

Conversely, many high streets and shopping centres face challenges such as vacant units, reduced consumer spend, and competition from online stores[4][5].

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Will Easter Deliver the Much-Needed Boost?

With Easter falling late in April this year, Scottish retailers are pinning hopes on the holiday season to lift footfall and sales figures:

• Potential Positive Impact: The typical surge in shopping around Easter—especially for gifts, clothing, and seasonal food—could stimulate visits to high streets and shopping centres.
• Consumer Sentiment: If consumers feel confident about their finances and retailers offer compelling promotions, foot traffic could see a rebound.
• Strategic Retail Adjustments: Retailers may need to enhance convenience, diversify product ranges, and improve in-store experiences to attract shoppers back[5].

However, the delayed Easter also means that the March downturn may weigh heavily on overall quarterly performance. Retailers must remain agile and invest thoughtfully despite rising costs if they want to capitalize on the seasonal opportunity.

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What Retailers and Policy Makers Can Do

For a sustainable recovery in Scottish retail footfall, coordinated action is essential:

• Government Support: Calls persist for government measures to ease the financial burden on retailers, including sensible business rates reforms and postponement of new levies that could further strain retailers[3][5].
• Investment in High Streets: Revitalizing town centres through reducing vacant units, enhancing leisure and dining options, and improving public transport access could help attract visitors.
• Marketing and Promotions: Targeted campaigns emphasizing value, convenience, and safety can encourage shoppers to return to physical stores.
• Embracing Omnichannel: Integrating online and offline retail channels to provide seamless shopping experiences is critical for attracting a wider customer base.

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Key Takeaways for Scottish Retailers and Shoppers

• Scottish footfall declined sharply in March 2025, with shopping centres hit hardest and retail parks faring better[1][3][4].
• A later Easter holiday presents the best chance for a post-March recovery in foot traffic and sales[3].
• Economic uncertainty and rising operational costs remain major headwinds for retailers looking to boost in-store visits[3][5].
• Retail parks’ diversification into leisure and hospitality offers a model for revitalizing retail spaces.
• Government support and strategic investment in shopping environments will be crucial to sustain a longer-term retail footfall recovery.

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Conclusion

Scottish retailers face a challenging environment in early 2025, with March footfall declines reflecting wider pressures on consumer spending and economic confidence. Nevertheless, the late-April Easter holiday provides a timely opportunity to reinvigorate shopping activity and lift retailer spirits. Success will depend on retailers’ ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, deliver attractive offers, and benefit from supportive policies aimed at revitalizing Scotland’s high streets and retail destinations.

With the right combination of consumer confidence, government backing, and innovative retail strategies, Scotland’s retail sector could turn the corner this Easter—marking the start of a more positive chapter for shopper footfall in 2025.

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Keywords: Scottish shopper footfall, retail footfall March 2025, Easter retail rebound, Scotland high street footfall, retail park visits Scotland, shopping centre decline, UK retail foot traffic, consumer confidence retail, rising retail costs, Easter shopping 2025, Scottish retail recovery, business rates reform retail, retail sales Scotland.