Autumn rain puts a downer on September shopper footfall - BRC

Friday, 10 October 2025 00:01

SRC-SENSORMATIC FOOTFALL MONITOR – SEPTEMBER 2025 Covering the five weeks 31 Aug - 04 Oct 2025 According to SRC-Sensormatic data: Scottish footfall decreased by 2.3% in September (YoY), down from -0.4% in August. Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.2% in September (YoY), down from +0.8% in August. Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.3% in September (YoY), unchanged from -1.3% in...Request free trial

SRC-SENSORMATIC FOOTFALL MONITOR – SEPTEMBER 2025

Covering the five weeks 31 Aug - 04 Oct 2025

According to SRC-Sensormatic data:

Scottish footfall decreased by 2.3% in September (YoY), down from -0.4% in August.

Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 1.2% in September (YoY), down from +0.8% in August.

Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.3% in September (YoY), unchanged from -1.3% in August.

In September, footfall in Edinburgh decreased by 2.5% (YoY), while footfall in Glasgow decreased by 2.7%.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Shopper footfall slumped in September with the worst drop since June. Stormy weather and economic uncertainty kept consumers away from Scotland's high streets, raising concerns for retailers on the cusp of the crucial golden trading quarter.

“The fall was consistent across the country. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow saw falls of more than two percent; Shopping Centres and Retail parks fared a little better, but both saw footfall decline compared to 2024.

“Whilst these figures are disappointing; it's far too early for retailers to panic. Recent years have seen a pattern of shoppers pulling back in the early Autumn; with the anticipation of shopping around for the best deals for Christmas. However, if things don't pick up in October there will be more than a few nervous businesses across Scotland's High Streets.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented:
“September saw footfall falter in Scotland, with total retail visits down -2.3% year-on-year. The month began with a modest uplift, but that momentum was soon disrupted. By the end of the month, Storm Amy brought widespread disruption, impacting shopper activity across the country and delivering the worst week for footfall since June.

“This disruption added to an already cautious consumer mood, with many still navigating cost pressures and economic uncertainty. Retailers will now be hoping that September's slowdown was less a sign of retreat, and more a pause for thought. As we move into Q4, the opportunity lies in converting that caution into confidence—especially for those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure. While not easy, it is essential.”

MONTHLY TOTAL SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YoY)

UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION

GROWTH RANK	NATION AND REGION	Sep-25	Aug-25
1	North West England	-0.3%	0.6%
2	Northern Ireland	-0.5%	-1.7%
3	West Midlands	-1.0%	0.4%
4	North East England	-1.4%	0.1%
5	London	-1.7%	2.5%
6	Yorkshire and the Humber	-1.8%	0.1%
6	England	-1.8%	-0.2%
8	South West England	-2.0%	-2.5%
9	Scotland	-2.3%	-0.4%
10	Wales	-2.5%	-2.6%
11	South East England	-2.7%	-2.6%
12	East of England	-2.8%	-1.9%

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY

GROWTH RANK	CITY	Sep-25	Aug-25
1	Manchester	3.9%	3.9%
2	Birmingham	2.1%	6.2%
3	Belfast	1.6%	1.0%
4	Sheffield	0.8%	5.7%
5	Leeds	-1.7%	2.7%
5	London	-1.7%	2.5%
7	Edinburgh	-2.5%	2.7%
8	Glasgow	-2.7%	-1.9%
9	Liverpool	-3.4%	3.0%
10	Bristol	-3.6%	-3.8%
11	Cardiff	-7.4%	-4.1%

-ENDS-

Methodology:
All figures are calculated using precise shopper numbers entering retail stores across the UK, whichever destination they are located.

While High Streets, Shopping Centres and Retail Parks are the main components of the Total Footfall, there are also additional categories not included as separate indices. These include outlets, travel hub locations, and free-standing locations such as garden centres.