Consumer footfall in the UK decreased by 1.2% year-on-year in September, continuing the declines seen in August, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
High street footfall declined 2.2% compared to the same period last year, while footfall at shopping centres was down 1%. Retail parks saw positive growth, however, this figure fell to +1.1% from +1.6% last month.
“September’s footfall figures have a sense of unwelcome déjà vu around them,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC.
“For the third consecutive month, most shopping destinations suffered a decline with retail parks continuing to buck the trend.”
Retail Performance
The BRC says that the east of the country was the only region to see growth in September, with footfall increasing by 1.9%. Meanwhile the deepest declines were seen in Northern Ireland (-4.3%) and the south west (-2.4%). Scotland recorded its biggest decline since June 2016 (-2%).
The organisation adds that these declines have serious implications for retailers.
“September’s sales rose due to inflation, but the accelerating decline in footfall is a strong indicator of consumers railing back spending,” added Diane Wehrle, Springboard marketing and insights director.
“Aggressive early season sales indicate retailers are spooked, and they will be on edge with the six-week countdown now on to the start of the festive shopping season.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
