'Too hot to shop': Misery for High Street retailers as UK heatwave sees shopping trips melt away
The High Street was especially hard hit, with shopper numbers down 3 per cent, while retail parks and shopping centres fell 1.1 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively.
Retailers are struggling to lure shoppers due to weak consumer confidence, while the cost of doing business has rocketed, due to a hike in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage.
It comes after Greggs last week warned the heat had hit Brits' appetite for sausage rolls – sending its shares tumbling.
A yellow heat health alert has been extended across England – the third heatwave of the summer, and temperatures hit 34C in London last month.
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic, which helped compile the BRC data, said: 'June delivered heatwaves, storms and what could be the hottest June on record, but even the sunshine wasn't enough to spark a retail revival.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
Holyhead port full reopening delayed again after storm damage
The full reopening of one of Britain's busiest ports has been delayed again the day before it was due to berths at Holyhead, which links north Wales and Dublin, were damaged on 7 December during Storm Darragh, affecting thousands of travellers and parcel deliveries over Christmas, as well as businesses in the berth reopened on 15 January, while the second, Terminal 3, was originally set to reopen on 1 July. However, Stena Line, which owns the port, has announced Terminal 3 will reopen on Saturday due to "adverse weather conditions" delaying the final repairs. Stena Line and Irish Ferries have been running their regular four daily services from a single berth, rather than the usual two.A temporary timetable for the partial reopening has been operating while the second berth is being traders in Holyhead said they had seen a huge drop in footfall and earnings since the damage to the port, which sees two million passengers a year and 1,200 lorries and trailers crossing every day. Stena Line said: "We sincerely appreciate our customers patience and understanding, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- The Guardian
English water firm doubles CEO's pay despite ‘elevated concern' over finances
A water company serving 3.9 million customers in London and south-east England has doubled the pay of its chief executive, despite the regulator saying it had 'elevated concern' over its financial situation. Affinity Water said its chief executive, Keith Haslett, received £1.6m for the 2024-25 financial year, up from £709,000 the year before. Bosses' pay at privately owned water companies has been under intense scrutiny in recent years as the public and politicians expressed increasing anger over leaking infrastructure and sewage spills into rivers. Campaigners have criticised high pay for executives for a service which is essential for life, and over which they hold monopolies in each area. It also emerged this week that Severn Trent, which supplies an area covering Bristol to the Humber, and mid-Wales to the East Midlands, awarded its chief executive, Liv Garfield, £3.3m for the 2025 financial year. Affinity Water provides water services only to customers mainly to the north and west of London, including parts of Hertfordshire and Surrey, as well as parts of Essex and Kent. Affinity is owned by the German insurer Allianz, the FTSE 250-listed infrastructure fund HICL, and DIF, part of the US private equity fund CVC. In November Ofwat, the water regulator for England and Wales, said it had 'elevated concern' over its finances because of debt levels equivalent to 75% of the value of its assets – above the 60% Ofwat targets – and the failure of its owners to invest in line with a previous business plan. However, the shareholders in February agreed to invest £150m, easing the financial pressures. The pay increase for Haslett, which emerged in its annual report published last week, was mainly due to a new 'retention payment' of £503,000. He was also awarded an extra £251,000 under a new long-term incentive plan, while his annual bonus increased 29% to £350,000. That was on top of a base salary and other benefits worth £449,000. The company's remuneration committee noted the 'unprecedented level of adverse public and political sentiment' around high pay for executives. The bosses of six water companies – Thames Water, Anglian Water, Southern Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water and Yorkshire Water – were banned from receiving bonuses last month because of sewage spills. However, Affinity does not provide sewage services, meaning it is less likely to be caught by the ban. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion The report also showed that the chief financial officer, Adam Stephens, received £298,000 for three months' work, having joined the business in January. A Severn Trent spokesperson told the Telegraph, which first reported on Garfield's pay: 'We're the only company to receive the highest four-star status for environmental performance for the fifth consecutive year, and our £15bn business plan to invest was rated outstanding by the regulator. 'Executive pay is based on performance and Severn Trent are consistently recognised as leaders.' Affinity Water was approached for comment.
The Sun
35 minutes ago
- The Sun
British homeware chain known for ‘luxury candles' launches 60% off sale with scents from just £8
A POPULAR British homeware chain, known for its "luxury" candles, has launched a huge sale, with up to 60% off selected products. Shoppers can get their hands on discounted candles, clothes and bedding, with prices starting at just £8. The White Company, which has 61 stores across the UK is known for its deluxe candle range, with budget stores often bringing out dupes of the designer scents. However, candle fans can now get their hands on The White Company's Winter Mercury Luxury Votive Candle for just £8. The cinnamon, clove and orange candle was originally £16, meaning it has been slashed by 50%. The 'spicy and warming' candle, comes in a hand-blown glass container and has been described by customers as the "scent of Christmas". One shopper said of the candle: "A lovely product. Smells divine and very pretty." Another added: "Beautiful candle and smells amazing." More sale products Suede Corkbed Mule Slippers Slashed from £55 to £33 Signature candles 8 Large candles 8 Fresh Grapefruit Diffuser Down from £30 to £21 Single Row Cord Cotton Bed Linen Slashed from £24 to £16.80 8 Organic Cotton Jersey Striped Romper Was £26, now £16.50 Organic Cotton Star Baby Robe Down from £30 to £21
