World Cup fever sees more shoppers hit Scotland’s high streets and retail parks

Overall shopper footfall rose 1.7 per cent last month, compared with June 2025, according to the latest data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Sensormatic. Scotland was the only nation or region of the UK to record growth during the period. It followed a modest 0.4 per cent year-on-year gain in May.

Shopping centre footfall increased by 0.5 per cent in June, compared with the same month last year, while shopper visits to retail parks rose by 10.8 per cent.

David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said: “Shopper foot-traffic increased for a second consecutive month in June, with Scotland the only nation or region of the UK to record growth during the period - encouraging coming against a backdrop of subdued consumer confidence and elevated petrol pump prices following the Iran conflict.

“This positive trend was particularly strong in the lead-up to Scotland’s first and second World Cup matches, likely reflecting increased spending on food, drink and related merchandise.

“Glasgow emerged as the highest-performing city in the UK, supported in part by the further gradual reopening of pedestrian areas in the city centre following the Union Corner fire in March.”

In June, footfall in Edinburgh was flat year-on-year while footfall in Glasgow increased by 6.1 per cent. Retailers in Scotland’s largest city will be hoping for a further recovery as the Commonwealth Games get underway. It comes amid concerns that the disruption caused by March’s devastating fire has led to fewer people visiting the city centre.

Lonsdale added: “Retailers in the city will be hoping the imminent start to the Commonwealth Games will provide a further boost to footfall and consumer spending.

“Retailers will also be looking to the likely incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to begin to make good on his pledge of a high street ‘renaissance’. Our retail destinations can be a springboard to help the wider economy bounce back. However, to achieve this, they need to become more cost-effective and desirable locations for retailers of all sizes to invest in.”

Andy Sumpter, a retail consultant for Sensormatic, said: “While Scotland experienced high temperatures, recording its warmest day of the year at 29°C, conditions were less extreme than further south and may have been less disruptive to shopper activity.

“Major events also played a role, with international football fixtures earlier in the month likely having an impact on footfall, while strong city performances - including Glasgow, which is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games - helped support overall results.

“Despite June’s positive outcome, underlying consumer behaviour remains cautious. While confidence is improving slightly, it is still subdued. As we move into the second half of the year, the focus for retailers will be on sustaining this momentum and converting footfall into meaningful spend.”

All figures are calculated using precise shopper numbers entering retail stores across the UK, whichever destination they are located.

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