Budget must deliver for shoppers as footfall drops
Covering the five weeks 30 August – 03 October 2026
According to BRC-Sensormatic data:
- Total UK footfall decreased by 2.9% in September (YoY), down from -1.7% in August.
- High Street footfall decreased by 3.0% in September (YoY), up from -3.1% in August.
- Retail Park footfall decreased by 1.7% in September (YoY), down from 1.0% in August.
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 3.5% in September (YoY), down from -0.5% in August.
- Footfall decreased by 0.7% (YoY) in Scotland, 3.0% in Wales, and by 3.4% in England, and increased by 2.1% in Northern Ireland.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “September was sluggish for footfall as the end of summer saw fewer shoppers heading out. While some seasonal slowdown is expected, this September saw a sharp decline compared to last year, with high streets and shopping centres suffering most. Retailers in Northern Ireland will be encouraged to see footfall holding up, but as the only part of the UK to buck the trend, the wider picture remains gloomy.
“As we enter the crucial final quarter, retailers will do all they can to attract shoppers with great value and choice. But until government acts to reduce the cost of doing business, retailers are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs. By pulling back from another increase in business rates, the chancellor can use his first Budget to unlock vital investment in our shops and high streets, help retailers keep prices down and provide jobs across the country.”
Andy Sumpter, head of consulting & analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “September marks another challenging month for UK retail destinations, with footfall remaining firmly in negative territory and declining across all major retail location types. While temperatures remained above seasonal norms, retailers cannot attribute this month’s performance to the weather. Instead, consumers appear increasingly focused on broader economic concerns, including the continued impact of inflation, household spending pressures, fuel costs and uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Budget.
“As the industry now enters the crucial Golden Quarter, retailers face heightened pressure to convert seasonal demand into store visits and spending. The months ahead will be critical, with businesses looking to deliver compelling reasons for shoppers to return to physical stores at a time when consumer confidence remains fragile. The heat is now on for retail as the sector approaches its most important trading period of the year.”
MONTHLY TOTAL UK RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YOY)
UK FOOTFALL BY LOCATION (% CHANGE YOY)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION