March brought a welcome boost to retail activity across Scotland, with footfall rising +8.4% month on month across all retail destinations – the strongest monthly uplift since the start of the year. High streets led the way, recording growth of +12.7% compared to February.
The increase was largely driven by a busy calendar of events. Mother’s Day delivered a +0.7% week-on-week uplift in the lead-up to the occasion, while St Patrick’s Day, combined with warmer weather, saw high street footfall rise +4.8% week on week in mid-March. Early Easter trading also contributed, with the week leading into the holiday adding a further +0.9% across Scottish retail destinations.
However, the picture is more nuanced when viewed against the same period last year. Overall footfall remains -6.6% lower than March 2025, and the Mother’s Day week was -2.9% down on the equivalent period in 2024. This points to a consumer base that is still engaging with town centres, but doing so more selectively.
Retailer sentiment reflects this cautious mood. Over half of retailers (52%) reported a decline in average transaction values, with economic pressures – including rising fuel prices and household bills – shaping how and when people choose to spend.
The data suggests that while seasonal events and social occasions continue to bring people into our town centres, shoppers are increasingly purposeful in their visits, prioritising value and planned purchases over impulse spending. For towns and high streets, the opportunity lies in creating the kind of environment and experience that makes a visit feel worthwhile.
Read the full March 2026 Footfall Monitor and Insights report here.
