Footfall falls for the sixth consecutive month as consumer confidence 'remains weak'

Total UK footfall fell 0.7% in October year on year, up from a fall of 1.8% in September, the BRC-Sensormatic footfall monitor shows.

High streets were the only destination to see an annual footfall increase. It grew 0.6% in October, up from a decline of 2.5% the month before.

Retail park footfall decreased by 0.5% in October, up from a dip of 0.8% in September. Shopping centres experienced a 0.9% fall, a rise from the 2% fall the month prior.

Across all four nations in the country, Wales was the only one to see a year-on-year increase of 0.6%. Scotland footfall fell 0.1%, Northern Ireland declined 0.2%, and England saw the steepest drop at 0.9%.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “While overall footfall fell for the sixth consecutive month, there was some good news on high streets, which saw positive shopper traffic after a disappointing September. 

“With consumer confidence remaining weak ahead of the possibility of a tax-raising Budget, many households have stayed away from shopping centres and retail parks. However, a Friday Halloween brought some welcome relief, delivering a late-month boost for retailers.

“Many retail locations have struggled to attract as many customers to their stores in recent years, buffeted by the high cost of living and poor consumer sentiment. It is vital that the chancellor uses the Budget to support shops – including large anchor stores – which help drive shopper traffic to high streets and surrounding businesses.

“Now is the moment for the government to deliver on their manifesto’s business rates commitment, exclude retail from the new business rates surtax and ensure a meaningful rates reduction for the industry. This will help to boost investment in fresh and exciting shopping destinations, better in-store experiences and encourage shoppers to visit more often.”