According to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data, UK retail footfall reached its highest level since the onset of the pandemic in September, coming within 10% of its pre-pandemic levels.
On a YoY basis, total footfall increased by +8% – high streets by +12.9%, retail parks by +0.4% and shopping centres by +17.3%.
However, when compared against pre-pandemic figures, total UK footfall decreased by -9.8% in September (Yo3Y), a 2.6 percentage point improvement from August, and better than the 3-month average decline of -11.4%.
Footfall on high streets declined by -11.9% in September (Yo3Y), retail parks saw footfall decrease by -2.5% (Yo3Y), and shopping centre footfall declined by -22.7% (Yo3Y).
England again saw the shallowest footfall decline of all regions at -7.9%, followed by Wales at -8.7%. Scotland and Northern Ireland saw the joint steepest decline at -13.4%.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, says: “High streets and retail parks saw an improvement in shopper numbers, while shopping centres continued to lag significantly behind, still more than a fifth down from three years ago. Shopping centres continue to see higher vacancy rates than other locations, with many not have recovered from the loss of key anchor stores such as Debenhams, which went into liquidation during the pandemic.
“These figures belie the collapse in consumer confidence which has resulted in falling sales volumes throughout the year. Meanwhile, soaring cost inflation is leading to upwards pressure on prices. The recent mini budget failed to provide retailers with clarity on the future of business rates, already a massive cost. Without action, retailers could face a +10% rise in their rates bill – equal to an additional £800m across the industry. While the energy support for businesses has been warmly welcomed by companies, a freeze to business rates, with the promise of further reform, would go a long way to restoring business confidence and supporting future investment, as well as offering retailers a means to cut prices for their customers.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, adds: “While total UK retail saw footfall recovery rise to its highest point this year compared to pre-pandemic levels in September, boosted in part by back-to-school trading at the beginning of the month, retailers won’t be looking at high street performance through rose-tinted glasses. With all eyes turning towards the Golden Quarter, perhaps with a starker air of caution given the financial turbulence seen over the last few weeks and higher energy bills starting to hit consumers from October, many are already downgrading Christmas trading forecasts amid shaky consumer confidence. And this means that amongst the usual pressures of preparing for peak, retailers will need to think hard about how they can support – and deliver value to - an increasingly cautious cost of living shopper during what will be a critical trading period.”
