UK retail footfall records first annual decline since 2019

UK retail footfall declined in September, marking its first annual fall since 2019 and the sharpest month-on-month drop in more than a decade, according to MRI Software’s latest figures.

Total footfall was down 0.2% year on year, led by a 1.1% drop in high street visits. Shopping centres saw a 0.2% fall, while retail parks recorded a 1.9% increase, continuing to outperform other formats.

Compared with August, overall footfall fell 4.4%, the steepest September decline since 2014. High street visits were down 6.3%, retail parks 3.9%, and shopping centres 0.9%, reflecting a typical post-summer slowdown following a strong trading period earlier in the year.

Weekday visits rose 0.5% year on year, offset by a 0.9% weekend decline, as schools reopened and office attendance increased. However, central London footfall fell 5.6% month on month, affected by early-September post-holiday patterns and late-month disruption from Storm Amy, which caused a 4.2% week-on-week drop in national footfall.

Consumer confidence slipped two points to -19 in September, reflecting ongoing pressure from interest rate rises and living costs. Despite this, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) use continues to grow, particularly among older shoppers, with usage among 55–64-year-olds more than doubling over the past year.

MRI Software said that as retailers head into the Golden Quarter, weather volatility and shifting consumer behaviour will remain key factors. Real-time data, agile staffing, and digital engagement will be essential to help businesses adapt to changing footfall patterns and maintain performance through the peak trading season.