Six months of falling footfall shows need for government action
Covering the four weeks 05 Oct – 01 Nov 2025
According to BRC-Sensormatic data:
Total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% in October (YoY), up from -1.8% in September.
- High Street footfall increased by 0.6% in October (YoY), up from -2.5% in September.
- Retail Park footfall decreased by 0.5% in October (YoY), up from -0.8% in September.
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 0.9% in October (YoY), up from -2.0% in September.
Footfall in Wales increased by 0.6% year-on-year, while all other nations experienced a decline: Scotland fell by 0.1%, Northern Ireland by 0.2%, and England saw the largest fall at 0.9%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “While overall footfall fell for the sixth consecutive month, there was some good news on High Streets, which saw positive shopper traffic after a disappointing September. With consumer confidence remaining weak ahead of the possibility of a tax-raising Budget, many households have stayed away from shopping centres and retail parks. However, a Friday Halloween brought some welcome relief, delivering a late-month boost for retailers.
“Many retail locations have struggled to attract as many customers to their stores in recent years, buffeted by the high cost of living and poor consumer sentiment. It is vital the Chancellor uses the Budget to support shops – including large anchor stores – which help drive shopper traffic to high streets and surrounding businesses. Now is the moment for Government to deliver on their manifesto’s business rates commitment, exclude retail from the new business rates surtax and ensure a meaningful rates reduction for the industry. This will help to boost investment in fresh and exciting shopping destinations, better in-store experiences and encourage shoppers to visit more often.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented: “Footfall across UK retail destinations fell -0.7% year-on-year in October, softening from September’s -1.8% drop but still marking a decline on last October’s -1.1%. High Streets saw a modest uplift of +0.6%, while Retail Parks dipped -0.5% and Shopping Centres fell -0.9%. Halloween gave retailers a brief treat, with footfall rising on the day, but overall figures suggest shoppers remain cautious. In response, some retailers have brought forward discounting to tempt early spend, hoping to capture demand ahead of Black Friday and the festive peak. The Autumn Statement also looms, with hopes for support to ease cost pressures.
“Inflation, though cooling, continues to weigh on sentiment, and price-conscious consumers are increasingly shopping around for value. Shoppers appear to be ‘spooked’ by ongoing economic uncertainty, delaying discretionary purchases and focusing on essentials. October’s slight improvement may hint at early seasonal activity, but retailers will be watching closely, hoping to see momentum build in November.”
MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION
| GROWTH RANK | NATION AND REGION | Oct-25 | Sep-25 |
| 1 | North East England | 0.7% | -1.4% |
| 2 | South West England | 0.6% | -2.0% |
| 2 | Wales | 0.6% | -2.5% |
| 4 | London | 0.1% | -1.7% |
| 5 | Scotland | -0.1% | -2.3% |
| 6 | Northern Ireland | -0.2% | -0.5% |
| 7 | North West England | -0.6% | -0.3% |
| 8 | England | -0.9% | -1.8% |
| 8 | Yorkshire and the Humber | -0.9% | -1.8% |
| 10 | East of England | -1.8% | -2.8% |
| 11 | West Midlands | -2.0% | -1.0% |
| 12 | East Midlands | -2.1% | -3.1% |
| 13 | South East England | -2.5% | -2.7% |
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY
| GROWTH RANK | CITY | Oct-25 | Sep-25 |
| 1 | Manchester | 1.9% | 3.9% |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 0.7% | -2.5% |
| 3 | Sheffield | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| 4 | London | 0.1% | -1.7% |
| 5 | Bristol | -0.4% | -3.6% |
| 6 | Belfast | -0.7% | 1.6% |
| 7 | Leeds | -1.1% | -1.7% |
| 8 | Glasgow | -1.7% | -2.7% |
| 9 | Cardiff | -2.1% | -7.4% |
| 10 | Birmingham | -4.0% | 2.1% |
| 11 | Liverpool | -6.5% | -3.4% |