UK shopper footfall falls 4.7% in October amid storms and costs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 00:27 · Archive

UK shopper footfall fell 4.7% year-on-year in October as stormy weather and rising household costs deterred consumers.

UK shopper footfall fell 4.7% year-on-year in October, worsening from a 2.9% drop in September, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic. Stormy weather and rising household costs combined to keep consumers away from shops.

High streets suffered the most severe impact, with visits down 5.2% compared to October last year. Retail parks experienced a 3.6% decline, while shopping centres fell 4.1%. Regional variations were significant, with Wales recording the steepest drop at 6.3%, followed by England at 4.6%, Scotland at 4.3%, and Northern Ireland at 3.1%.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson attributed the decline to low consumer confidence. She said households were 'navigating rising inflation and high energy costs' and that stormy weather 'led many consumers to stay home or use locations with easy parking options'. Dickinson highlighted the importance of a new Government high street strategy and called for police powers promised in the Crime and Policing Act to improve safety for shoppers and retail staff.

UK shopper footfall falls 4.7% in October amid storms and costs — Image: Independent Business

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How it is being reported

Storms and soaring costs combine to send shopper footfall sliding in OctoberOverall footfall was down 3.1% in Northern Ireland, 4.3% in Scotland, 4.6% in England and by 6.3% in Wales.Independent Business · 6 Nov, 00:01
Storms and soaring costs combine to send shopper footfall sliding in OctoberOverall footfall was down 3.1% in Northern Ireland, 4.3% in Scotland, 4.6% in England and by 6.3% in Wales.Evening Standard · 6 Nov, 00:01

In this story: British Retail Consortium · Sensormatic · Helen Dickinson · Wales · England · Scotland · Northern Ireland

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