Retail footfall in September experienced its first increase in over a year, driven by the back-to-school season.
- Total shopper visits saw a growth of 3.3%, a significant improvement from August’s decline.
- Specific sectors showed varied increases, with retail experiencing the highest jump at 7.3%.
- Shopping centres and high streets also reported rising visitor numbers compared to August.
- The British Retail Consortium highlights potential impacts of past mild weather and advocates for business rate adjustments.
For the first time in over a year, retail footfall rose in September, coinciding with the back-to-school season, resulting in a 3.3% increase in total shopper visits, compared to a 0.4% decline in August, according to reports by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Retail venues saw the most significant rise, with footfall up by 7.3% this September compared to the previous month, reflecting a positive turnaround from August’s 2.6% increase, signalling a shift in consumer behaviour as more individuals ventured out for shopping.
In addition, shopping centres and high streets experienced a recovery in visitor numbers. Shopping centres saw a 2.3% increase, bouncing back from August’s 1.8% dip, while the high streets noted a modest rise of 0.9%, improving on the 0.3% downturn in the preceding month.
Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, attributed part of the growth to mild temperatures last year which had previously dampened footfall. She pointed out, “It was neither too hot nor too cold for customers, leaving retailers in the sweet spot for additional shopping trips.”
The BRC is advocating for adjustments in business rates, suggesting a ‘Retail Business Rates Corrector’ involving a 20% reduction in bills for retail properties. This measure is proposed to offset the impact of business rates, foster investment, and revitalize local high streets, thereby enhancing community shopping experiences.
The call for such reforms comes amidst warnings from industry leaders, including Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, and Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis, about the risk of widespread shop closures without adequate government intervention on business rates.
The increase in retail footfall in September signals a hopeful turn for the industry, though future growth relies on supportive economic policies.
