According to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Sensormatic data, total UK footfall decreased by 4.5% in November (YoY, down from -1.1% in October. High street footfall decreased by 3.7% in November, down from -3.6% in October.
“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,” comments Helen Dickinson, Chief executive of the British Retail Consortium.
“Some northern cities also suffered particularly badly due to Storm Bert, which caused travel disruption towards the end of the month. Retailers remain hopeful that the Black Friday and Christmas sales will help to turn around the declining footfall seen through most of 2024.”
She adds: “Retail not only contributes to the economy of local areas but is essential to everyday life in communities across the country. New costs bearing down on retailers in 2025, including from rises in employer National Insurance, National Living Wage, and packaging taxes, means investment in jobs, stores, and high streets will likely be curtailed. If the Government wishes to bolster footfall and the growth and investment that would come with it, it must help retailers mitigate the impact of the £7 billion additional costs they face from next year.”
Top: With footfall down in November, retailers are hoping for stronger footfall in December in the run up to Christmas
