7th Nov 2025 03:36
(Alliance News) - The contraction in UK footfall slowed in October as high street footfall returned to growth as inflation still weighed on sentiment, data published by the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic showed Friday.
Total UK footfall was down 0.7% on-year in October, slowed from a decline of 1.8% in September.
Pertinently, high street footfall was 0.6% higher on-year in October after a contraction of 2.5% in September.
Meanwhile, retail park footfall fell by 0.5% on-year in October, decelerated from September's 0.8% decline.
Shopping centre footfall was down 0.9% on-year in October, slowed from a fall of 2.0% in September.
In Wales, footfall rose by 0.6% on-year in October, while it fell by 0.1% in Scotland, was down by 0.2% in Northern Ireland and contracted by 0.9% in England.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "While overall footfall fell for the sixth consecutive month, there was some good news on high streets, which saw positive shopper traffic after a disappointing September. With consumer confidence remaining weak ahead of the possibility of a tax-raising budget, many households have stayed away from shopping centres and retail parks. However, a Friday Halloween brought some welcome relief, delivering a late-month boost for retailers.
"Many retail locations have struggled to attract as many customers to their stores in recent years, buffeted by the high cost of living and poor consumer sentiment. It is vital the Chancellor uses the budget to support shops – including large anchor stores - which help drive shopper traffic to high streets and surrounding businesses. Now is the moment for government to deliver on their manifesto’s business rates commitment, exclude retail from the new business rates surtax and ensure a meaningful rates reduction for the industry. This will help to boost investment in fresh and exciting shopping destinations, better in-store experiences and encourage shoppers to visit more often."
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for the Europe, Middle East & Asia region for Sensormatic, said: "Inflation, though cooling, continues to weigh on sentiment, and price-conscious consumers are increasingly shopping around for value. Shoppers appear to be 'spooked' by ongoing economic uncertainty, delaying discretionary purchases and focusing on essentials. October's slight improvement may hint at early seasonal activity, but retailers will be watching closely, hoping to see momentum build in November."
By Tom Budszus, Alliance News slot editor
Comments and questions to [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.