BRC: Hopes pinned on the festive period as footfall tumbles in November

The later timing of Black Friday in 2024 meant that it does not fall into this month's figures, but is included in last year's comparable, exacerbating the year-on-year decline.

Covering the four weeks 27 October 2024 – 23 November 2024
According to 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 (YoY), down from -3.6% in October.

• Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.1% in November (YoY), down from +4.8% in October.
  
  
• Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 6.1% in November (YoY), down from -1.6% in October.

• Footfall decreased year-on-year for all four nations, with Northern Ireland falling by 2.8%, England by 4.2%, Scotland by 6.8%, while Wales experienced the biggest decline at 7.1%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“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. 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, crucial as we enter the “golden quarter”.

“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.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented:
“Retail store visits dipped in November as consumer confidence remains volatile, perhaps not helped by post-Budget spending jitters and shoppers withholding festive purchases, opting instead to shop around for the best prices or hold out for further discounting.  This lacklustre footfall performance will have come as a blow for many retailers, who would have been counting on getting early Christmas trading results under their belts before the start of advent.  However, it's worth noting that these figures do not include Black Friday and the Saturday of the Black Friday weekend - tipped as one of the top busiest days for store shopping during peak trading - which will hopefully jump start seasonal shopping.  Now, all eyes turn to December, where retailers hope to make up for lost ground and turn around their festive fortunes.  This will rely not only on effective merchandising and shored up inventory availability, but on building the compelling and immersive experiences that bring the seasonal magic to life in-store.”

MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)

UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY

-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.