According to data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Sensormatic Solutions covering the five weeks to 5 April 2025, overall Scottish footfall decreased by 6.6% compared to the previous year. This marks a substantial worsening from the 0.3% decline recorded in February.

All retail locations felt the impact. Shopping centres experienced the steepest drop at 9.1% year-on-year, reversing February’s slight positive figure. Retail parks proved more resilient, though footfall still decreased by 1.1%.

City performance varied, with Edinburgh seeing a sharp 9.0% drop in footfall, whereas Glasgow recorded a more modest fall of 2.5%.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Whilst lower footfall in March is anticipated, that does mean retailers will be looking nervously towards Easter, traditionally one of the major shopping events of the year.

“If the warm weather can tempt shoppers back to the high street, then hopefully a little deferred spending might be unlocked. Alternatively, if the uncertainty in the wider economy translates into nervous shoppers that will be worrying news for Scotland’s shops.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: “After a bumpy few months, March made for disappointing footfall as shopper and business confidence remains subdued, not helped by ongoing economic uncertainty and pre-Spring Statement jitters.

“With Easter this year landing in April, some of the downturn in store visits in March could have been from consumers withholding Easter spend. Retailers will now be hoping that strong Easter trading can help balance out a slow start to Spring.

“It’s worth noting, however, that there were some brighter moments for shopper counts in March – although, sadly, not enough of them to have had a material impact on the overall figures. Mother’s Day in particular delivered a standout performance, driving a +13.4% uplift in High Street footfall compared to last year.”