// Shopper numbers across Britain fell 4.6% last week versus the week before amid a host of rail strikes and snowfall

// High streets suffered the most with footfall down 10.2% week on week

Shopper numbers across Britain slipped by 4.6% last week, with rail strikes and cold snowy weather dealing another blow to the sector, new data has revealed. 

According to Springboard, footfall in the week to December 17, a critical Christmas trading period, was 0.9% lower than last year and 20.1% lower than the 2019 level.

It added that high streets were hit hardest, with footfall down 10.2% week on week.

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With UK inflation soaring at 10.7% and consumer confidence close to record lows, retailers were already fearing a muted Christmas, with a raft of surveys showing most consumers plan to do less holiday shopping this year.

Official data published on Friday showed retail sales slid unexpectedly in November, despite the men’s World Cup and Black Friday sales promotions.

Several British retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Primark, have cautioned on the outlook in recent months, highlighting the stress felt by many households as the cost-of-living crisis eats into their finances.

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