Over the period from April 3 to April 30, Scottish footfall decreased by 14.8% in April (Yo3Y), 6.3 percentage points better than March. This is worse than the UK average decline of 13.1% (Yo3Y).

In April, footfall in Glasgow decreased by 11.6% (Yo3Y), 7.9 percentage points better than in March.

David Lonsdale, director, Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “April saw a more promising set of figures for visits to stores in Scotland. Buoyed by the easing of Covid restrictions and the return of commuters and tourism, the uplift in shopper footfall was particularly noticeable in our city centres and shopping centres.

“Of course, one swallow does not make a summer, and it remains true that visits to stores are still somewhat shy of pre-pandemic levels. However, several indicators crucial to the health of Scotland’s retail industry - retail sales, shop vacancies and now shopper footfall - are each beginning to point in a more favourable direction. The challenge will be to sustain this improvement in the months ahead as economic headwinds affecting both consumer and business sentiment and spending power exert their grip.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: “At face value, this is all positive and welcome news for retailers as Scottish footfall recovery continues, however, it comes with a caveat that this only captures store visits, rather than reflecting what’s being rung through the tills.

“As shoppers feel the pinch of the rising cost-of-living and face downward pressures on their disposable incomes, conversions and basket sizes risk being reduced, so retailers – especially non-Discounters or value brands - will need to work even harder to earn share of wallet and shopper loyalty in-store.”