UK retail footfall records first annual decline since 2019

Retail footfall across the UK fell by 0.2% year-on-year in September, the first annual decline since 2019, according to recent figures from MRI Software.

The overall drop was driven by a 1.1% fall in high street visits, while shopping centres were down 0.2%. 

Retail parks bucked the trend, rising 1.9% year on year. Analysts said the figures suggest that retail activity is returning to pre-pandemic patterns, shaped by seasonality and consumer sentiment.

Month-on-month, footfall declined 4.4% across all retail destinations, the sharpest September fall since 2014. High streets recorded the steepest drop at 6.3%, followed by retail parks at 3.9% and shopping centres at 0.9%. 

The decline follows strong summer trading and coincided with schools reopening and office workers returning to city centres.

Weekday visits rose 0.5% compared with last year, offsetting a 0.9% weekend decline, reflecting the continued recovery of commuter footfall. 

Additionally, in central London, MRI’s “Back to Office” benchmark fell 5.6% month on month, with early- and late-September activity hit by post-holiday slowdowns and disruption caused by Storm Amy.

The storm, which arrived in the final week of September, contributed to a 4.2% week-on-week fall in national footfall. High street activity dropped 14.7% on 3 and 4 October, while shopping centres and retail parks were less affected.

Consumer confidence also weakened in September, falling two points to -19 following August’s interest rate rise. 

While overall spending remains subdued, the use of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services has increased, particularly among older shoppers, with adoption among 55–64-year-olds more than doubling over the past year.

MRI Software said that with weather volatility and tighter household budgets shaping the run-up to Christmas, agility in staffing, promotion and digital engagement will be key for retailers entering the Golden Quarter.