UK retail footfall fell by 2.9 per cent in September as shoppers continued to rein in spending ahead of the crucial Golden Quarter, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
The decline marks a further deterioration from August, when footfall was down 1.7 per cent year-on-year, raising concerns for retailers as they prepare for the busiest shopping period of the year.
The figures, covering the five weeks from 30 August to 3 October 2026, revealed that shopping centres experienced the sharpest decline, with visitor numbers falling 3.5 per cent compared with the same period last year, following a 0.5 per cent drop in August.
High street footfall was down 3 per cent, a marginal improvement on August’s 3.1 per cent decline, while retail parks saw visitor numbers fall 1.7 per cent, reversing the 1 per cent growth recorded the previous month.
Across the UK, England recorded the largest decrease in footfall at 3.4 per cent, followed by Wales at 3 per cent and Scotland at 0.7 per cent. Northern Ireland was the only nation to buck the trend, recording a 2.1 per cent increase.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, described September as a sluggish month for retail destinations, warning that the continued decline presents another challenge for businesses heading into the final quarter.
“While some seasonal slowdown is expected, this September saw a sharp decline compared to last year, with high streets and shopping centres suffering most,” she said.
“Retailers in Northern Ireland will be encouraged to see footfall holding up, but as the only part of the UK to buck the trend, the wider picture remains gloomy.”
With Christmas trading approaching, Ms Dickinson called on the Government to address the rising costs facing retailers, particularly business rates.
“As we enter the crucial final quarter, retailers will do all they can to attract shoppers with great value and choice. But until Government acts to reduce the cost of doing business, retailers are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs,” she added.
She urged the Chancellor to avoid another increase in business rates in the upcoming Budget, arguing that such a move would help unlock investment in shops and high streets while supporting jobs and keeping prices down.
Meanwhile, Andy Sumpter, Head of Consulting and Analytics for EMEA at Sensormatic, suggested that the decline could not simply be attributed to seasonal changes or the weather.
Instead, he pointed towards ongoing economic uncertainty, inflation, household spending pressures and fuel costs as factors influencing consumer behaviour.
“September marks another challenging month for UK retail destinations, with footfall remaining firmly in negative territory and declining across all major retail location types,” he said.
“As the industry now enters the crucial Golden Quarter, retailers face heightened pressure to convert seasonal demand into store visits and spending.”
Mr Sumpter added that the coming months would be critical for businesses looking to encourage shoppers back into physical stores, particularly while consumer confidence remains fragile.
“The heat is now on for retail as the sector approaches its most important trading period of the year,” he concluded.
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