UK retail footfall drops sharply in October, high streets worst hit

5th Nov 2026 14:03

(Sharecast News) - UK retail footfall fell sharply in October amid low consumer confidence, with high streets the worst hit due to stormy weather, according to data released on Friday by the British Retail Consortium.

The BRC-Sensormatic footfall monitor showed that footfall declined 4.7% on the year following a 2.9% drop in September.

Footfall on the high street fell 5.2% in October, a deterioration on the previous month's 3% decline. Retail parks suffered a 3.6% drop in footfall last month, following a 1.7% fall in September, while the decline at shopping centres worsened to 4.1% from 3.5% a month earlier.

Footfall fell by 3.1% in Northern Ireland, 4.3% in Scotland, 4.6% in England, and 6.3% in Wales.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: "Footfall fell sharply in every part of the UK in October. Low consumer confidence was likely a key factor in the decline in visitors, as households navigated rising inflation and high energy costs. Of all destinations, High Streets were hit the hardest, as the stormy weather led many consumers to stay home or use locations with easy parking options.

"With a new Government high street strategy, the rejuvenation of our shopping destinations is a clear priority. To do this, we must make them safe for both shoppers and retail staff. While there are positive signs that the police are cracking down on organised crime and repeat offenders, it is vital that the Government grants the police the powers promised in the Crime and Policing Act. The commencement of this legislation would scrap the £200 threshold for low-level theft and give workers the protections they need, making our high streets safer for all."

Andy Sumpter, head of consulting & analytics EMEA for Sensormatic, said: "Halloween delivered a brief seasonal uplift, but beyond that, retailers found little to celebrate. The month's performance suggests that shoppers are continuing to prioritise essential spending, leaving discretionary retail expenditure under pressure despite the arrival of the Golden Quarter."