UK retail footfall fell 2.9 per cent in September, marking a steeper decline than the previous month, as retail gears up for the Christmas trading period.
The latest BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor showed shopper numbers declined across all major retail destinations during the five weeks to 3 October, compared with a 1.7 per cent drop in August.
Shopping centres recorded the sharpest fall, with footfall down 3.5 per cent year on year, compared with a 0.5 per cent decline in August.
High street footfall fell three per cent, a marginal improvement on August’s 3.1 per cent drop, while retail parks saw shopper numbers decline 1.7 per cent, reversing the previous month’s one per cent growth.
England recorded the largest decline in footfall at 3.4 per cent, followed by Wales at three per cent and Scotland at 0.7 per cent.
Northern Ireland was the only UK nation to report growth, with shopper numbers rising 2.1 per cent year on year.
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “September was sluggish for footfall as the end of summer saw fewer shoppers heading out. While some seasonal slowdown is expected, this September saw a sharp decline compared to last year, with high streets and shopping centres suffering most.”
She urged the government to reconsider further business rates increases ahead of the Autumn Budget, warning that rising operating costs were limiting retailers’ ability to invest.
“By pulling back from another increase in business rates, the Chancellor can use his first Budget to unlock vital investment in our shops and high streets, help retailers keep prices down and provide jobs across the country,” Dickinson added.
Sensormatic head of consulting and analytics for EMEA Andy Sumpter said the decline could not be attributed to the weather, with temperatures remaining above seasonal averages during September.
Instead, he pointed to continued pressure on household finances, inflation, fuel costs and uncertainty ahead of the Budget as factors weighing on shopper confidence.
“As the industry now enters the crucial Golden Quarter, retailers face heightened pressure to convert seasonal demand into store visits and spending,” Sumpter said.
“The months ahead will be critical, with businesses looking to deliver compelling reasons for shoppers to return to physical stores at a time when consumer confidence remains fragile.”
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