Shoppers are deserting high street in highest numbers since recession

The number of people visiting the high street fell by more than 4% over the last two months – according to figures from the British Retail Consortium.

The figures are the worst since the depths of the recession in 2009 and come as a wave of retailers are struggling to cope with the brutal trading conditions.

Struggling stores include House of Fraser, Carpetright and discounter Poundworld – which has been put up for sale.

Fashion brand Bench, which was founded in Manchester, has also gone into administration.

The British Retail Consortium is blaming the squeeze on spending and poor weather in March for the fall in number of people on the high street.

Footfall fell by 3.3% last month according to the BRC and Springboard and by 6% in March.

Diane Wehrle, of Springboard, said: “Not since the depths of recession in 2009 has footfall over March and April declined to such a degree. Even then the drop was less severe at minus 3.8%.”

Ms Wehrle added: “The parlous state of retail trading is highlighted by the fact that footfall post-5pm recovered in the last two weeks of the month, rising by 5.9%, whilst daytime footfall dropped by 0.1%.

“So it is clear that retail trading is doubly challenged by a thrifty consumer, in concert with a continuing predisposition towards leisure rather than retail spend.”

BRC chief Helen Dickinson said changing shopping habits and tough trading were having a major impact on the retail sector. She also called for clarity on Brexit negotiations.

She said: “Even once we take account seasonal distortions, the underlying trend in sales growth is heading downwards.

“As negotiations on Brexit continue to play out against this backdrop the importance of addressing the issue of frictionless movement of goods across borders is increasing.

“Retailers must have clarity on this position if they are to continue to provide a wide range of goods for consumers at affordable prices.”