In September, retail footfall in Wales recorded the highest growth in the UK, as reported by the Welsh Retail Consortium.
- Wales saw a 5.4% year-on-year increase in footfall, outpacing a 3.3% overall rise across the UK, bolstered by back-to-school shopping.
- Despite the positive trend, Welsh shopping centres experienced a decline, although less severe than in August, with footfall down by 1.6%.
- Cardiff showed notable improvement among UK core cities, bouncing back with a 3.9% increase in footfall, after a drop in August.
- Retail parks led with strong visitor traffic, attributed to their blend of supermarkets and discount outlets.
Retail footfall in Wales experienced a significant increase in September, marking the strongest recovery across the UK according to the Welsh Retail Consortium. The year-on-year growth of 5.4% surpassed the UK average, which noted a 3.3% increase. This rise was partly driven by back-to-school shopping activities, thereby providing a positive outlook for the retail sector.
However, despite this uptick, Welsh shopping centres continued to face challenges, recording a 1.6% decline in footfall. This figure, though negative, was an improvement over the 5.2% drop seen in August. The resilience of retail parks, credited to their combination of supermarkets and discount retail options, played a crucial role in sustaining overall footfall growth.
Cardiff distinguished itself among the UK’s core cities by registering a 3.9% increase in foot traffic in September, following a 4.1% decline in the previous month. Only Birmingham and Glasgow showed declines, at 0.1% and 1% respectively, highlighting Cardiff’s recovery strength.
Overall, across the UK, retail environments saw improvements, with retail parks being particularly popular due to their diversified offerings. Andy Sumpter from Sensormatic Solutions noted the boost in shopper numbers, attributing it to back-to-school demand and better year-on-year comparisons after previously suppressed footfall figures.
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, remarked on the significance of these numbers, illustrating the first meaningful positive movement since March. She pointed out the importance of governmental support in continuing this trend, especially with the critical Christmas shopping period approaching.
Wales’ September retail footfall surge offers hope for sustained growth, contingent on economic supports and consumer confidence.
