Leeds among worst hit for shop closures as footfall declines

Leeds has experienced a 1.7 per cent decrease in highstreet footfall.

This is according to data from BRC-SensormaticIQ by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) from September 2025.

Leeds has one of the highest store closure rates in the country, with 620 shops shutting their doors in the city since 2015.

High street shops are facing an uncertain future.

Jade Bowers, managing director at Masato Jones said: “Decreased footfall has hit everyone really hard this year, we are hoping this Christmas we will see more people using the high street”

There need to be more incentives for people to come into town, and shop rather than shopping online.”

The BRC are calling for more funding and support in the Autumn Budget which will be announced on the 26th November 2025.

However this is not stopping businesses moving to Leeds, The Hole in the Wand opened its doors on the 1st September and it is a magically themed mini golf course.

Chief Wizard, Benjamin Watkins or Bumble the Potions Master believes its the escapism of the store which brings people in.

Source: Emma Haresign | All Rights Reserved

He said: “High streets are struggling but when it comes to escapism, like crazy golf or VR or escape rooms they are getting more and more popular because people want to go out and escape reality a bit more.”

The Hole in the Wand includes, Yorkshire goblins, hidden tunnels, icy castles and even a fire-breathing dragon.

Emily Webb : “Its hard to be miserable here because you’ve got all the cool lights and music. It does feel like going into a different world.”