Footfall rose for the first time in over a year as mild temperatures combined with weak footfall last year led to strong growth in September.

According to BRC-Sensormatic data, Total UK footfall increased by 3.3% in September (YoY), up from -0.4% in August.

High Street footfall increased by 0.9% in September (YoY), up from -0.3% in August. Retail Park footfall increased by 7.3% in September (YoY), up from from +2.6% in August. Shopping Centre footfall increased by 2.3% in September (YoY), up from -1.8% in August.

All four devolved nations saw increases in footfall YoY, with Northern Ireland up by 2.5%, Scotland increasing by 0.7%, England rising by 3.6% and Wales up by 5.4%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “It was neither too hot nor too cold for customers, leaving retailers in the sweet spot for additional shopping trips. This compared positively to last year when the intense heatwave caused many people to stay home and delay purchases of autumnal clothes and products. Retail parks continued to perform particularly well as the increased rain drove some people towards shopping areas with nearby parking.

“While retailers will welcome this autumnal boost, it is the next few months, in the run up to Christmas, that are most important. The Chancellor wants to boost confidence and help unlock business investment.

“A Retail Business Rates Corrector, a 20% adjustment to bills for all retail properties, would help mitigate the disproportionate impact of business rates on retail, driving investment and helping to rejuvenate high streets. This in turn would boost shopper footfall and create thriving communities up and down the country.”

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented: “September saw a long-awaited positive uptick in footfall, with total shopper numbers returning the first positive year-on-year performance since July 2023. 

“While the High Street and Shopping Centres saw improvements compared to last year, Retail Parks were once again the standout shopping destination, with their tenant mix of out-of-town supermarkets and discount retail offerings helping to drive shopper traffic.

“This September’s growth is built on last year’s suppressed footfall from September 2023’s heatwave. While retailers will welcome the boost, hoping that this translates into sales, many will still be eyeing it with caution.”