Retail footfall experienced an increase for the first time in over a year this September, driven by the back-to-school rush.
- Total shopper visitors increased by 3.3% in September, a notable change from the previous month’s 0.4% decline.
- Retail spaces saw the most significant rise, with footfall up by 7.3%, compared to a 2.6% increase in August.
- Shopping centres also witnessed an uptick in visitors, climbing by 2.3% after a 1.8% dip in August.
- High street footfall slightly improved, showing a 0.9% rise against a 0.3% drop the prior month.
In September, retail footfall witnessed its first year-over-year growth, attributed largely to the back-to-school season. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the total number of shoppers increased by 3.3%, rebounding from a 0.4% decline in August. This growth suggests a renewed consumer interest and potential revitalisation in various retail sectors.
Retail areas experienced the highest boost, as visitor numbers rose 7.3% in September. This figure is a significant improvement compared to the 2.6% increase recorded in August. The BRC’s Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson, pointed out that “mild temperatures combined with weak footfall last year led to strong growth in September.” Such favourable weather conditions seem to have offered a conducive environment for shopping, in stark contrast with the previous year’s intense heatwave, which discouraged store visits and delayed purchasing decisions.
Further supporting this upward trend, shopping centres noted a 2.3% rise in foot traffic. This is a positive shift from the 1.8% reduction seen in August. Meanwhile, high street locations also saw a modest increase of 0.9% in visitor numbers, following a 0.3% decrease the month before. This consistency in increased foot traffic across different types of retail environments indicates a broader sector recovery.
Despite the encouraging data, Helen Dickinson expressed concern over business rates, advocating for adjustments in the upcoming Budget to support prolonged growth. She emphasised the importance of these months approaching Christmas for retailers and proposed a ‘Retail Business Rates Corrector’ with a 20% bill reduction for retail properties. She argued that such measures could counterbalance the disproportionate effects of business rates, foster investment, and invigorate high streets.
Amidst the prospects for retail revival, there remains apprehension about the future economic landscape. Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, along with Usdaw’s General Secretary Paddy Lillis, highlighted the risk of store closures without reform in business rates liability, noting over 17,000 shops could potentially close in the next decade.
In summary, September’s rise in retail footfall marks a pivotal shift, highlighting both opportunities for growth and challenges needing addressal in business regulations.
