UK retail footfall declines again in October
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Friday 07 Nov 2025
(Sharecast News) - UK retail footfall fell again in October, albeit less steeply, as consumer confidence remained weak, although the high street was a bright spot, according to data released on Friday by the British Retail Consortium.
The BRC-Sensormatic footfall monitor showed that total footfall declined 0.7% year-on-year last month, although this was an improvement on the 1.8% drop seen in September.
Football on the high street rose by 0.6% following a 2.5% decline in September, while footfall at retail parks was down 0.5% compared to a 0.8% decline in September.
Footfall at shopping centres fell 0.9% year-on-year in October, an improvement on September's 2% drop.
Footfall in Wales fell 0.6%, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and England saw declines of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.9%, respectively.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson 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."
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