December saw fewer shoppers in all locations, capping a disappointing year for retail footfall in the UK.
Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and analysts at Sensormatic shows total footfall decreased by 2.2% last month compared to the same period last year. High Street footfall slipped 2.7%, while Retail Park footfall was unchanged. Shopping Centre footfall was down by 3.3%, although this was an improvement on the 6.1% decline recorded in November.
For 2024 as a whole, total footfall was down 2.2% compared to 2023, marking the second year in a row where shopper numbers have been in decline.
Analysts noted that while footfall is no longer a clear guide to the overall performance of the retail sector because of the increase in online shopping, the figures will add to anxieties about how retailers faired over the key trading period.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, commented: “High streets and shopping centres were hit particularly hard throughout the year as people veered towards retail parks to take advantage of free parking and the variety of larger stores. Even the Golden Quarter, typically the peak of shopping activity, provided little relief, with footfall down over the period. While the Black Friday weekend delivered more promising results, they were overshadowed by a lacklustre festive season.
“Shopping habits have been changing fast, and customers are increasingly looking for more experiential shopping, as well as a variety of cafes, services and things to do. Unfortunately, investment in town centres and high streets is held back by our outdated business rates system, which penalises town and city centres. The government’s proposals to reform business rates may ease the burden for some retailers, but it is vital that, ultimately, no shop ends up paying more in rates than before. With retailers facing £7bn in additional costs this year from increased tax and regulations, the changes to the business rates system must be made in a way that supports retail investment and growth in the years ahead.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: “Retailers will now need to look afresh to 2025 and chart a course to adopt innovative strategies to reverse this trend or maximise the sales potential of fewer visitors, finding new ways to make each store visit count.”
