Footfall drops for sixth consecutive month as shoppers await Budget impact
High Streets show slight recovery, but weak confidence and cost pressures keep shoppers cautious
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Retail footfall across the UK fell by 0.7% year on year in October, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline as shoppers remained wary ahead of a possible tax-raising Budget, according to new BRC-Sensormatic Solutions data.
Although footfall continued to remain down, the four-week period to 1 November showed an improvement on September’s 1.8% fall.
High Streets also saw a modest rise of 0.6%, while retail parks and shopping centres reported declines of 0.5% and 0.9% respectively.
Additionally, footfall rose by 0.6% in Wales but fell across the other nations, with Scotland down 0.1%, Northern Ireland down 0.2% and England recording the steepest fall at 0.9%.
Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “While overall footfall fell for the sixth consecutive month, there was some good news on High Streets, which saw positive shopper traffic after a disappointing September.
“With consumer confidence remaining weak ahead of the possibility of a tax-raising Budget, many households have stayed away from shopping centres and retail parks. However, a Friday Halloween brought some welcome relief, delivering a late-month boost for retailers.”
She added: “Many retail locations have struggled to attract as many customers to their stores in recent years, buffeted by the high cost of living and poor consumer sentiment. It is vital the chancellor uses the Budget to support shops – including large anchor stores – which help drive shopper traffic to high streets and surrounding businesses.
“Now is the moment for the government to deliver on their manifesto’s business rates commitment, exclude retail from the new business rates surtax and ensure a meaningful rates reduction for the industry. This will help to boost investment in fresh and exciting shopping destinations, better in-store experiences and encourage shoppers to visit more often.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Sensormatic, concluded: “Inflation, though cooling, continues to weigh on sentiment, and price-conscious consumers are increasingly shopping around for value.
“Shoppers appear to be ‘spooked’ by ongoing economic uncertainty, delaying discretionary purchases and focusing on essentials. October’s slight improvement may hint at early seasonal activity, but retailers will be watching closely, hoping to see momentum build in November.”
