UK retailers face challenges as footfall declines for two consecutive months.
- Sensormatic data indicates a 3.7% decrease in high street footfall in November.
- Other shopping locations also suffer drops, with retail parks and shopping centres seeing significant declines.
- Factors such as delayed Black Friday deals, Storm Bert, and low consumer confidence contribute to the decrease.
- Retailers remain hopeful for a reversal with upcoming festive sales and Black Friday events.
UK retailers are facing a tough period, marked by a consistent decline in footfall for two months. Recent data from Sensormatic, analysed by the British Retail Consortium, reveals that high street footfall fell by 3.7% in November. This follows a fall of 3.6% in October.
The downturn is not limited to high streets; retail parks and shopping centres have been similarly impacted, experiencing footfall decreases of 1.1% and 6.1% respectively. This widespread hesitation among consumers is pronounced, as they appear cautious about their shopping habits.
Several factors have influenced this decline. A later-than-usual Black Friday event coupled with reduced consumer confidence has led to a noticeable reluctance among customers to visit physical stores. Additionally, Storm Bert disrupted travel in the latter part of November, exacerbating the situation for retailers, especially in northern cities.
BRC CEO Helen Dickinson remarked, ‘Footfall took a disappointing tumble in November, as a later-than-usual Black Friday and low consumer confidence meant customers were hesitant to hit the shops.’ Retailers are hopeful that the anticipated boost from Black Friday and Christmas sales will help counter the downturn observed throughout 2024, a crucial period coinciding with the industry’s ‘golden quarter’.
Retail expert Andy Sumpter from Sensormatic highlighted the critical role of December for retailers as they attempt to regain momentum. The absence of Black Friday weekend data from current figures leaves room for optimism, with expectations that these sales will kickstart the festive shopping season. For retailers, success in the coming weeks will hinge on inventory readiness and crafting engaging in-store experiences to attract shoppers.
Retailers are counting on the festive season to recuperate from ongoing footfall challenges, viewing it as pivotal for year-end recovery.
