The UK recorded a 1.1% year-on-year (YOY) decrease in retail footfall in October 2024, down from the growth of 3.3% in the previous month, as per figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic. 

During the four weeks covering 29 September to 26 October, footfall in the high street declined by 3.6% YOY, compared to a growth of 0.9% in September. 

Footfall in shopping centres also dropped by 1.6% in October YOY, down from the growth of 2.3% in the prior month. 

The data also revealed that retail park footfall increased by 4.8% YOY, down from the growth of 7.3% in September 2024. 

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales registered a YOY footfall increase last month. 

Northern Ireland recorded footfall growth of 1.3%, followed by Scotland and Wales, which registered 0.8% and 0.4% growth respectively over the month.

England has reported a 1.5% YOY decline during the month.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “October’s footfall figures showed a marginal decline compared to last year, primarily due to half-term moving out of the comparison. Despite the decline, retail parks continued to attract shoppers, as they saw positive footfall growth for the third consecutive month. Across England, the northern towns performed best, with Leeds and Liverpool seeing positive footfall last month.

“Retailers have seen footfall consistently fall since the pandemic. Thriving high streets and town centres are not only good for local economies but also form a key part of the social fabric of communities up and down the country. With 6,000 stores closing in the past five years, retailers now need a policy environment that supports growth and investment.” 

Footfall in high street declined by 3.6% YoY in October 2024. Credit:  William Barton/Shutterstock.