The drop was felt across all retail destinations, with shopping centres down 2.1% and retail parks down 3.2% compared with the same period last year.

Scotland’s two largest cities were not spared. Edinburgh saw footfall fall by 2.5%, while Glasgow experienced a steeper decline of 3.5%.

Despite the poor figures, Scotland fared marginally better than most other regions measured in the survey, performing ahead of England and Wales and beaten only by Northern Ireland.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers’ hopes of a second successive monthly growth in shopper footfall were scuppered in February as visits to Scottish stores fell.

“The pronounced dip was witnessed across all retail destinations and overall it was the weakest performance since June. Scotland fared a little bit better than most of the other eleven parts of the UK measured in the survey.

“The impact of this on shoppers’ propensity to spend and on actual retail sales values remains to be seen as there isn’t always an exact correlation. What we do know is that the vitality of Scotland’s larger conurbations and retail destinations is ultimately dependent on the patronage of shoppers and buoyant consumer spending.

“Stores are striving to play their part on promotions, products, and experiences against a backdrop of downgraded official forecasts for economic growth and lingering concerns over the cost of living. This suggests a sharper and more urgent response is required from policy makers and those seeking to form the next Scottish Government on reviving the health of our retail destinations and encouraging more people to return.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said: “While the month was challenging, much of Scotland avoided the extreme weather seen elsewhere in the UK, with northern and western areas notably drier than usual.

“In contrast, eastern Scotland experienced above average rainfall - creating a varied backdrop for shopper activity.

“Even with pockets of more favourable weather, overall footfall remained in negative territory. Economic pressures continued to weigh on household budgets, with food price inflation and rising unemployment influencing both spending confidence and the frequency of shopping trips. As in the rest of the UK, these wider factors played a significant role in keeping visits subdued.

“Still, there are reasons to look forward. With Mother’s Day on the horizon and the prospect of brighter, more inviting spring weather ahead, retailers will be hoping for a lift in shopper sentiment – and in footfall – as consumers re engage and return to stores.”