Total UK retail footfall decreased by -1.1% in October (YoY), down from +3.3% in September, according to the latest data from BRC-Sensormatic.
High street footfall decreased -by 3.6% YoY, down from +0.9% in September. Retail park footfall increased by -4.8% YoY, down from +7.3% in September, and shopping centre footfall decreased by -1.6% YoY, down from +2.3% in September.
Footfall increased YoY in three of the devolved nations, while England experienced a decline: Northern Ireland's increased by +1.3%; Scotland's increased by +0.8%; Wales' increased by +0.4%; and England's decreased by -1.5%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “October’s footfall figures showed a marginal decline compared to last year, primarily due to half-term moving out of the comparison. Despite the decline, retail parks continued to attract shoppers, as they saw positive footfall growth for the third consecutive month. Across England, the northern towns performed best, with Leeds and Liverpool seeing positive footfall last month.
“Retailers have seen footfall consistently fall since the pandemic. Thriving high streets and town centres are not only good for local economies but also form a key part of the social fabric of communities up and down the country. With 6000 stores closing in the past five years, retailers now need a policy environment that supports growth and investment.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, adds:“ After the positive footfall performance we saw in September, October’s footfall dropped back into negative figures compared to the year before.
"While this will be disappointing for many retailers, who may have hoped the positive figures in September would spell the start of a more consistent uptick in store traffic, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise. We expect to see a bumpy recovery as a myriad of market conditions – from the cost of living to shaky consumer confidence around the Budget – continue to make footfall performance volatile.
"Retailers now need to look ahead and focus their efforts on the rest of the Golden Quarter, delivering compelling reasons to visit in order to drive ambient footfall and sales during the key Christmas trading period.”
