Retail footfall across the UK continued to decline during the second week of September following the start of the new school year and return to work for those who had been on holiday.
Footfall across all retail destinations fell 3.3% week on week, driven by a 5.8% drop in visits to shopping centres and 2.6% decline at retail parks, according to MRI Software.
It was a week of two halves for some of the UK’s retail destinations, with sharp declines early on followed by a late week rebound in shopping centres and retail parks (+2% and +2.6%).
High street footfall slipped 2.3%, with a 0.3% uplift during the first half of the week offsetting a 4.9% drop on Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, the five-day London Underground tube strikes failed to deter commuters as footfall was up 1.7% on the week before.
Annual footfall levels remained lower, driven by a decline in high street and shopping centre visits.
MRI said: “Shopping centres also noted a drop in footfall whereas retail parks saw a modest uplift which could reflect an uptick in consumers preparing for autumn and stocking up on home décor from some of the larger stores found on retail parks.
“As temperatures fall, this shift could extend to fashion retailers, with demand for autumn and winter clothing likely to strengthen.”
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