Gloomy weather and anxiety ahead of the budget combined to form a toxic brew for the high street in November as footfall slumped across the UK.
November marked the seventh month in a row for a decline in footfall, according to the latest data out this morning from the BRC and Sensormatic.
Storm Claudia kept consumers indoors and many chose to look online for Black Friday deals rather than venture to the shops.
Total UK footfall fell by 0.8% last month, compared with a drop of 0.7% in October.
The high street and shopping centres experienced the worst of the declines, dropping by 1.2% and 1.4% respectively, with the former coming off a 0.6% rise in October.
Retail parks fared better, improving slightly from a 0.5% decrease in the previous month to a fall of 0.4% in November.
“Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month,” said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.
“With the golden quarter in full swing, retailers are continuing to invest what they can to entice customers into stores over Christmas. However, as we approach the New Year, given the downward trend in footfall across recent years, we need a comprehensive strategy to revitalise our high streets and shopping centres, from better transport, affordable parking, to a reformed planning system to enable faster, better development.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant at Sensormatic, added that Black Friday failed to deliver the expected boost despite early and deep discounting.
“The autumn budget, landing just days before the event, cast a long shadow over consumer confidence, with leaks and tax rumours fuelling uncertainty,” he said.
Sumpter offered “glimmers of hope”.
“The golden quarter isn’t over yet, and with four of our predicted Top Five shopping days still to come, the festive season could deliver the lift retailers need. A last-minute rush may top off the year, turning caution into celebration.”
No comments yet