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UK footfall has risen by 3.3% in September, up from 0.4% in August, as shopper numbers return to increase for the first time in over a year.
According to the BRC, retail parks enjoyed the biggest boost with a 7.3% increase during the month, up from 2.6% in August.
Shopping centre footfall increased by 2.3% in September, up from -1.8% in August, while high street numbers increased by 0.9% from 0.3% the previous month.
All four of the UK nations saw increases in footfall, with Wales seeing a growth of 5.4%, England by 3.6%, Northern Ireland by 2.5% and Scotland by 0.7%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Footfall rose for the first time in over a year as mild temperatures combined with weak footfall last year led to strong growth in September. This compared positively to last year when the intense heat wave caused many people to stay home and delay purchases of autumnal clothes and products.
“While retailers will welcome this autumnal boost, it is the next few months, in the run up to Christmas, that are most important. The Chancellor wants to boost confidence and help unlock business investment. A Retail Business Rates Corrector, a 20% adjustment to bills for all retail properties, would help mitigate the disproportionate impact of business rates on retail, driving investment and helping to rejuvenate high streets. This in turn would boost shopper footfall and create thriving communities up and down the country.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: “While the High Street and Shopping Centres saw improvements compared to last year, Retail Parks were once again the standout shopping destination, with their tenant mix of out-of-town supermarkets and discount retail offerings helping to drive shopper traffic.
“This September’s growth is built on last year’s suppressed footfall from September 2023’s heatwave. While retailers will welcome the boost, hoping that this translates into sales, many will still be eyeing it with caution.”
