High street has worst May for 12 years as sun fails to draw out shoppers

The UK high street recorded a 12-year low in its year-on-year May performance, with warm weather, two bank holidays and the royal wedding failing to bring out shoppers.

According to BDO who provided the data, the sector’s sales dropped by 2.2% compared to May last year and it is also now eight months since in-store like-for-like growth on the high street has exceeded +1%, highlighting the current perilous environment for UK retailers.

“While increased footfall at times did provide opportunities, a beautiful union between consumers and in-store revenue increases failed to materialise. With May not delivering in-store growth, the question remains as to whether the World Cup, which kicks off in Russia next month, will stand any chance of sparking sales for products beyond electricals?” BDO said.

The sector’s recent weeks have been punctuated by high profile store closure announcements from the likes of Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser.

Data indicated that homeware and lifestyle sales suffered in particular, with like-for-like sales down 15.2% and 3.8% respectively.

Fashion performed positively however, recording a like for like increase of 0.4%, and non-store sales predictably registered a 14.5% increase.

The trends from May have appeared to continue, with the week ending 3 June showing like-for-like sales as down 6.47% and shopping centre footfall down 4.4% in a half term week disrupted by flooding and heavy rain.

Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: “Consumer spending patterns continue to be both volatile and unpredictable, making it increasingly difficult for retailers to identify trends and respond accordingly."

"Whether it's falling discretionary income, unexpected weather or a growing preference to spend on experiences, the result is creating growing challenges on the high street which are clearly affecting retail performance.”