In September, retail footfall experiences its first annual increase, offering a positive shift in retail dynamics.
- Shopper visits increased by 3.3% in September, reversing a 0.4% fall recorded in August, as per BRC findings.
- Retailers reported a significant 7.3% rise in footfall, marking the highest jump, compared to a 2.6% increase the previous month.
- Shopping centres witnessed a marginal growth of 2.3% in visitor numbers, as opposed to a 1.8% decline in August.
- High streets saw a 0.9% rise in footfall, providing a contrast to the 0.3% drop observed in the previous month.
September recorded a considerable upsurge in retail footfall, the first in over a year, driven by the back-to-school momentum. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) disclosed that total shopper visits increased by 3.3%, contrasting with a 0.4% decline witnessed in August. This uptick reflects a shift in consumer behaviour favouring physical retail outlets over digital alternatives.
Retail sector establishments marked the most notable increase, with footfall advancing by 7.3% as opposed to a 2.6% rise seen in August. This surge indicates a renewed consumer interest in retail as temperatures remained mild, creating an optimal environment for shopping sprees.
Shopping centres also benefited from the favourable weather, seeing a 2.3% increase in visitors, a recovery from the 1.8% dip in August. This improvement signals a potential rebound in consumer confidence and spending in these venues.
High streets experienced a modest 0.9% rise in visitor numbers, differing from the prior month’s 0.3% decrease. This slight increase points towards a recovering high street retail landscape that had been impacted by adverse weather conditions in previous seasons.
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson highlighted the positive impact of mild temperatures and last year’s weak footfall, attributing these factors to September’s growth. Additionally, she called for governmental action on business rates to sustain this momentum, suggesting that a 20% adjustment could bolster retail investment and rejuvenate high streets, thus fostering thriving communities.
Retail footfall’s promising increase in September heralds potential growth opportunities for the sector amid favourable economic conditions.
