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The retail sector experienced early signs of footfall recovery in November as total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% in November(YoY), an improvement on -5.7% in October, according to the latest data from the BRC.
High Street footfall decreased by 1.7%, an improvement on -4.6% in October, whereas Retail Parks again were the most resilient destination, decreasing by 1.0% in November(YoY), an improvement on -4.3% in October.
Meanwhile, Shopping Centre footfall was found to have decreased by 2.2% in November, an improvement on -7.3% in October.
Of the UK nations, Wales saw the least significant YoY drop in footfall, showing a decrease of 0.4%. Scotland saw a YoY drop in footfall of 0.9%. This was followed by England at 1.0% and Northern Ireland at 4.9%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “A slight uptick in consumer confidence, as well as easing inflationary pressures and more predictable weather, led to an improvement in footfall compared to the previous month.
“After a slow October start, the month-long Black Friday sales helped to get shoppers out to their town and city centres. While all parts of the UK saw footfall drop in October; both West Midlands and Yorkshire managed positive growth in November.”
She added: “The extensive cost-pressures on the retail industry over the last two years have limited investment and driven up prices at many shopping destinations. The Chancellor’s failure to commit to a business rates freeze in his recent Autumn Statement will inflict hundreds of millions of pounds in additional costs.
“This will inevitably slow the decline in inflation, as well as limiting long term investment and limiting any upside from improvements in UK footfall.”
