Retail footfall in the UK has increased for the first time in over a year.
- In September, UK shopper visits rose by 3.3% following a decline in August.
- Retail parks experienced a notable 7.3% increase in visitor numbers.
- All four UK nations saw year-on-year growth in footfall.
- Mild weather has been a contributing factor to this increase.
Retail footfall in the UK experienced an upward trend for the first time in over a year, as reported last month, coinciding with the back-to-school period. Visitor numbers to UK retail establishments increased by 3.3% after a 0.4% decline witnessed in August, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Retail parks recorded the most significant growth among shopping venues, with visitor numbers up by 7.3% in September compared to a 2.6% increase the previous month. This notable performance is partly attributed to weather conditions, which have been neither excessively hot nor too cold, creating an ideal environment for customer visits.
Shopping centres also saw a positive shift, with a 2.3% rise in footfall, rebounding from a 1.8% decrease in August. High streets, often the core of urban retail activity, witnessed a modest rise of 0.9% in shopper numbers, a slight improvement over the 0.3% decline recorded last month.
All four nations within the UK reported an increase in footfall on a year-on-year basis. Wales led the growth with a 5.4% rise, followed by England with a 3.6% increase, highlighting a uniform uplift across regions.
Helen Dickinson, BRC’s Chief Executive, emphasised the impact of favourable weather conditions contributing to the boost. Last year’s intense heatwave discouraged shopping, particularly for seasonal clothing, making this year’s milder temperatures more conducive to retail activities.
Retail parks’ success is further boosted by their accessibility during rainy periods, as convenient parking encourages visits. Dickinson underlined the importance of the upcoming months leading to Christmas for the retail sector.
Additionally, there is a push for a ‘Retail Business Rates Corrector’, a proposed 20% adjustment to retail property bills to alleviate the impact of business rates. Such measures could enhance investment and help rejuvenate high streets, potentially increasing footfall and fostering vibrant communities.
The recent rise in retail footfall marks a positive shift, with future investment and strategic adjustments poised to support continued growth.
