The number of shoppers who hit the high street in September remained robust in the wake of the Northern Rock crisis and the ensuing economic turmoil.

Figures released by FootFall revealed that the number of shoppers across the UK fell just 0.7 per cent year-on-year in September, a typical fall before the key Christmas trading period according to the shopper traffic monitor.

The figures represent a 2.3 per cent month-on-month drop, which FootFall said is indicative of the post-holiday and back to school period.

However regional figures provided varied results. The North-East, Yorkshire & Humberside and West Midlands regions saw shopper numbers rise by between 2 and 2.8 per cent against last year. Numbers fell in London by 1.3 per cent, Scotland by 1 per cent and South Wales & the West by 3.5 per cent.

A spokesperson for FootFall said: “The UK High Street is well and truly on the starting blocks for the Christmas build-up, with stores now merchandised with their winter, seasonal and gifting ranges. Retailers will undoubtedly be preparing for a more tentative breed of Christmas shopper following the year’s interest rate rises and recent banking upheaval.

“The face of Christmas 2007 will be the more ‘savvy’ shopper. This band will continue to grow in number and become more discerning as the busiest trading period gets underway, with wallet share likely to be split four ways between shopping centres, out of town centres, supermarkets and the Internet – a split that has become more accentuated since last Christmas.”