Footfall slips in Nov as Black Friday fails to lift shopper numbers

Total UK footfall fell 0.8% year-on-year in November, compared with a 0.7% decline in October, as Black Friday failed to produce the much needed boost for retailers, according to the latest data from the BRC.

High street footfall decreased 1.2% after a 0.6% rise in October, while retail parks saw a 0.4% fall, improving slightly from a 0.5% decline the previous month. Shopping centres recorded a 1.3% drop, widening from a 0.9% decrease in October.

Northern Ireland was the only nation to see an increase, with footfall up 2.7%. Scotland fell 0.3%, Wales 0.4%, and England recorded the largest fall at 1.0%.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising Budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month.Storm Claudia prompted many consumers to search online for Black Friday deals throughout November, leading some to not visit bricks-and-mortar stores on Black Friday. There was good news in some northern UK cities as Manchester and Sheffield continued to buck the trend, recording positive footfall for the eighth consecutive month.

“With the Golden Quarter in full swing, retailers are continuing to invest what they can to entice customers into stores over Christmas. However, as we approach the New Year, given the downward trend in footfall across recent years, we need a comprehensive strategy to revitalise our high streets and shopping centres, from better transport, affordable parking, to a reformed planning system to enable faster, better development.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “November marked the seventh consecutive month of declining footfall. Total UK footfall slipped 0.8% year-on-year, as Black Friday failed to deliver the expected boost despite early and deep discounting.

“The Autumn Budget, landing just days before the event, cast a long shadow over consumer confidence, with leaks and tax rumours fuelling uncertainty. Storm Claudia added insult to injury, knocking shopper numbers back by 11% mid-month, while financial pressures kept discretionary spend firmly in check. High Streets and Shopping Centres bore the brunt, while Retail Parks showed relative resilience. London, however, stood out as a rare bright spot, posting positive growth against the national trend.”

He added: “November may have been dominated by caution, but there are glimmers of hope. The golden quarter isn’t over yet, and with four of our predicted top five shopping days still to come, the festive season could deliver the lift retailers need. A last-minute rush may top off the year, turning caution into celebration. With the right balance of value, convenience, and experience, there’s still time to make December count.”