UK retail footfall slipped again in November as poor weather and anxiety ahead of the Autumn Budget kept shoppers away from high streets and shopping centres, according to the latest BRC–Sensormatic Footfall Monitor.
Total footfall declined 0.8% year-on-year, a sharper fall than October’s 0.7% drop, pointing to continued caution among consumers despite widespread Black Friday discounting.
High streets saw the biggest deterioration, with footfall down 1.2% compared with a 0.6% rise the previous month.
Shopping centres recorded a 1.3% decline, while retail parks proved more resilient, easing just 0.4%. England posted the steepest regional fall at 1.0%, while Northern Ireland remained an outlier with a 2.7% increase.
FALLING FOOTFALL
The figures mark the seventh consecutive month of falling footfall and come during the “Golden Quarter”, typically the most lucrative period for retailers.
November’s performance followed Storm Claudia’s disruption mid-month, as well as uncertainty around the government’s tax plans, which landed days before Black Friday.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, says: “Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising Budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month.
“Storm Claudia prompted many consumers to search online for Black Friday deals throughout November, leading some to not visit bricks-and-mortar stores on Black Friday.
“There was good news in some northern UK cities as Manchester and Sheffield continued to buck the trend, recording positive footfall for the eighth consecutive month.
REVITALISE HIGH STREETS
And she adds: “With the Golden Quarter in full swing, retailers are continuing to invest what they can to entice customers into stores over Christmas.
“However, as we approach the New Year, given the downward trend in footfall across recent years, we need a comprehensive strategy to revitalise our high streets and shopping centres, from better transport, affordable parking, to a reformed planning system to enable faster, better development.”
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, says: “November marked the seventh consecutive month of declining footfall. Total UK footfall slipped -0.8% year-on-year, as Black Friday failed to deliver the expected boost despite early and deep discounting.
“The Autumn Budget, landing just days before the event, cast a long shadow over consumer confidence, with leaks and tax rumours fuelling uncertainty.
“Storm Claudia added insult to injury, knocking shopper numbers back by 11% mid-month, while financial pressures kept discretionary spend firmly in check.
“November may have been dominated by caution, but there are glimmers of hope.”
“High Streets and Shopping Centres bore the brunt, while Retail Parks showed relative resilience. London, however, stood out as a rare bright spot, posting positive growth against the national trend.
“November may have been dominated by caution, but there are glimmers of hope. The golden quarter isn’t over yet, and with four of our predicted Top Five shopping days still to come, the festive season could deliver the lift retailers need.
“A last-minute rush may top off the year, turning caution into celebration. With the right balance of value, convenience, and experience, there’s still time to make December count.”
