The number of people visiting bricks-and-mortar locations has tumbled 10% over the past seven years, after September suffered a further decline in footfall.
Shopper numbers slipped 1.7% last month, equal to the 1.7% decline during the same month last year, according to the latest BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor.
Both the high street and shopping centres were affected, with footfall declining 1.8% and 3.2% year on year respectively. However, retail park footfall edged up 0.1% year on year.
On a rolling three-month basis, footfall fell 1.6%. The six-month average decline was 2% while the 12-month average was a 1.7% decline.
BRC boss Helen Dickinson said retailers were facing a “sustained drop” in footfall, and had been for the best part of a decade.
“Retailers are facing a sustained drop in footfall, with numbers of visitors down over 10% in the last seven years alone. With Brexit looming, many consumers are holding off from all but essential purchases, and it is no surprise that the 1.7% drop in footfall has also contributed to a similar fall in sales.
“High streets and shopping centres were hit hardest, with retail parks faring slightly better as they continue to entice shoppers with their varied consumer offering.
“The ongoing transformation of the retail industry is putting increasing pressure on retailers, which is now compounded by the spectre of a no-deal Brexit on October 31.
“If the Government wants to support consumers and retailers they should make sure they take no deal off the table, while also addressing the public policy costs, such as business rates, that prevent shops from investing in their retail offering.”
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