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Retail footfall across the UK rose last week, with overall visits up 5.4% on the previous week and 4.4% higher than the same period last year, according to figures from data firm MRI Software.
High streets led the increase, with activity climbing 7.7% week on week. Regional cities recorded a 9.4% rise as students returned for the new university term, while market and historic towns saw growth of 8% and 6.2% respectively.
Shopping centres rose 3.6% and retail parks 2.5% week on week. Activity was strongest on Sunday, Thursday and Saturday, coinciding with the end of the month payday period.
Central London footfall increased 8.3% year on year, supported by events in the capital and higher weekday activity. Locations with a high concentration of offices also saw growth, up 8.1% annually and 6.5% weekly.
MRI Software said the figures were partly boosted by favourable weather, with last September marked by widespread flooding that reduced retail visits.
As September closed, the combination of student returns, payday spending and the start of seasonal shopping provided a lift for retailers heading into October. But analysts noted that economic pressures could weigh on demand in the weeks ahead.
