UK footfall across all retail destinations decreased by 1.1% year-on-year in the four weeks from 29 September to 26 October, down from +3.3% in the previous month.
High streets bore the brunt of the footfall decline, dropping 3.6% year-on-year, down from +0.9% in September, with shopping centre footfall also decreasing by 1.6% year-on-year in October, down from +2.3% in September, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and consultants Sensormatic.
That was largely due to the shift in the school half-term holidays, which covered 28 October to 1 November this year, but 23-27 October in 2023. Pre-Budget caution from consumers will also likely have played a part.
Retail parks went against the grain with a footfall increase of 4.8% year-on-year in October, however that was still down from +7.3% in September.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “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 6,000 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, added: “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.”
