Footfall declines 1.1% in October

Footfall in the UK fell 1.1% in October compared with the previous year, according to data from the BRC.

Alongside this, footfall fell compared with a 3.3% increase in September.

High Street footfall decreased by 3.6% in October, down from a 0.9% increase in September.

Also, shopping centre footfall fell by 1.6% in October down from a 2.3% increase last month.

However, retail park footfall increased by 4.8% in October down from a 7.3% increase in September.

England was the only UK nation to decline, down 1.5%, while Northern Ireland increased by 1.3%, Scotland increased by 0.8% and Wales increased by 0.4%.

Helen Dickinson, BRC CEO, said: “October’s footfall figures showed a marginal decline compared to last year, primarily due to half-term moving out of the comparison. Despite the decline, retail parks continued to attract shoppers, as they saw positive footfall growth for the third consecutive month. Across England, the northern towns performed best, with Leeds and Liverpool seeing positive footfall last month.

“Retailers have seen footfall consistently fall since the pandemic. Thriving high streets and town centres are not only good for local economies but also form a key part of the social fabric of communities up and down the country. With 6,000 stores closing in the past five years, retailers now need a policy environment that supports growth and investment.”