Shopping Centre footfall in UK declined by 36.1% year on year in September 2020. Credit: JJBers VIA FLICKR.

Retail footfall in the UK footfall decreased by 30.1% year on year (YoY) in September , according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)–ShopperTrak data.   

The figure is a slight improvement of 4.7% point from the previous month. 

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Additionally, in July, BRC reports revealed a slight recovery in UK retail sales.

BRC data also reveals that retail footfall on high streets dropped by 36.9% YoY this month.   

Additionally, shopping centre footfall declined by 36.1% YoY, still below its 12-month average fall of 35.2%.  

Northern Ireland recorded -14.6% drop in shopping centre footfall, Scotland reported -35.4% decline and Wales stood at –40.2%.   

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE said: “As the second wave of the pandemic sweeps the UK and additional restrictions come into force, footfall has steadily dropped during the month as many shoppers chose to stay at home.  

“Despite this, September footfall remains an improvement on the previous month.  

“Retail parks, while down on a year ago, continue to perform significantly better than high streets and shopping centres thanks to the prevalence of supermarket stores and the availability of onsite parking.  

“It is likely that rising case numbers and future restrictions may see footfall decline in the coming months. Sales at upcoming holidays, including Halloween and Bonfire night, are also likely to remain muted.  

“Furthermore, with footfall remaining well below pre-coronavirus levels, the Government must act now to provide certainty for business and prevent a cliff-edge of 100% business rates in April 2021.”