UK retail footfall eases in October - BRC

UK retail footfall declined in October, industry data showed on Friday, reversing much of September’s surprise uplift.

Footfall jumped 3.3% in September, the first rise in over year and a notable improvement on August’s 0.4% dip.

But according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic, total UK footfall decreased 1.1% in October, dampening hopes for the start of a more positive trend.

High streets recorded a 3.6% slide, compared to September’s 0.9% uptick, while shopping centre footfall was down 1.6%. In September, it rose 2.3%.

Retail park footfall increased by 4.8%. But that was below September’s 7.3% spike.

Andy Sumpter, EMEA retail consultant at Sensormatic, said: "While this will be disappointing for many retailers, who may have hoped the positive figures in September would spell the start of a more consistent uptick in store traffic, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise.

"We expect to see a bumpy recovery as myriad market conditions - from the cost of living to shaky consumer confidence around the Budget - continue to make footfall performance volatile."

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the timing of half term had made for tough comparatives.

However, she added: "Retailers have seen footfall consistently fall since the pandemic. Thriving high streets and town centres not only good for local economies but also form a key part of the social fabric of communities up and down the country.

"Retailers needs a policy environment that supports growth and investment."