Retail footfall in the UK has finally risen after a year of decline, signalling a potential recovery in the sector.
- In September, UK shopper visits saw a 3.3% increase, a sign of growing consumer confidence.
- Retail parks experienced the most significant visitor boost, with a 7.3% rise in footfall last month.
- Shopping centres and high streets also saw improvements in visitor numbers, albeit more modestly.
- All UK nations reported year-on-year increases in footfall, with Wales leading with a 5.4% rise.
Retail footfall in the United Kingdom saw a notable rise for the first time in over a year. This development comes as a welcome change for the retail sector, which has been struggling with declining visitor numbers. In September, the total UK shopper visits increased by 3.3%, contrasting sharply with a 0.4% decline in August. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has highlighted this shift as a significant indicator of renewed consumer interest and spending.
Retail parks emerged as the standout performers, recording a robust increase in footfall. Last month, these venues saw a 7.3% rise in visitor numbers, building on a 2.6% increase in August. This jump can be attributed to consumers’ preference for shopping environments with convenient parking, particularly during wetter conditions.
Shopping centres also benefitted from the uptick in consumer activity, although to a lesser extent than retail parks. Visitor numbers at these locations rose by 2.3% in September, recovering from a 1.8% drop in the previous month. Meanwhile, high streets saw a modest rise of 0.9%, improving upon a 0.3% decline in August.
The increase in footfall was observed across all four nations within the UK. Wales reported the highest growth, with a 5.4% rise, followed by England at 3.6%. This uniform increase suggests a broader trend of consumer re-engagement with physical retail spaces.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson commented on the factors contributing to this growth. She noted that “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.” The optimal weather conditions, not too hot nor too cold, encouraged shopping trips, contrasting with last year’s heatwave, which deterred autumn purchases.
While the current rise in footfall is promising, retailers are particularly focused on the forthcoming months as the run-up to Christmas approaches. Dickinson pointed out the importance of government measures, such as a proposed Retail Business Rates Corrector, to sustain and enhance this growth.
The correction, which involves a 20% adjustment to retail property bills, aims to alleviate the impact of high business rates on retailers. Such measures are seen as vital to boosting investment, enhancing high street vitality, and encouraging even greater footfall in the future.
The recent rise in retail footfall marks a promising shift for the UK retail sector, poised for further growth with supportive policies.
