'Too hot to shop' weather leaves High Street deserted over the summer in latest blow to retailers

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 17:00 EDT, 3 September 2026 The High Street was deserted over the summer as it was deemed ‘too hot to shop’.Shopper numbers were 3.1 per cent lower last month than in August last year, following a 3.8 per cent decline in July, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).The slump was just the latest blow to shopkeepers already battling soaring costs, higher taxes and subdued demand.BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: 'Retailers don't need warm words, they need lower costs. 'With his first Budget weeks away, Chancellor John Healey has a chance to throw Britain's high streets a lifeline.'Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment, and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.' Heatwave: Shopper numbers were 3.1% lower last month than in August last year following a 3.8% decline in July, according to the British Retail ConsortiumDIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you