Retailers have renewed calls for the government to provide the sector with greater financial support after footfall plunged during December.
Shopper numbers at destinations across the UK slumped 46.1% in the five weeks to January 2, according to BRC-ShopperTrak figures.
High streets were the worst performing location during the crucial month for retailers, with footfall tumbling 49.5% compared with the same period last year.
Visitor numbers at shopping centres fell at the similar rate of 47.3%, while footfall to retail parks slipped 17.3% year on year.
The declines meant that, across 2020 as a whole, footfall was down 43.4%.
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said the figures emphasised the need for the government to provide further support to retailers and once again urged Westminster to extend business rates relief beyond March.
Dickinson said: “Now that all parts of the UK are effectively in lockdown and with social distancing measures expected to continue well into the new year, ‘non-essential’ stores will be unable to trade their way back to recovery.
“A third lockdown will be one too many for some businesses. Rent bills continue to weigh heavily and the threat of a return to full business rates liability in April still looms.
“The government must urgently reassure those businesses hardest hit by the pandemic that they will receive vital financial support in the form of an extension to the coronavirus business rates relief.”
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