UK footfall falls 4.7 percent in October as stormy weather hits high streets

UK retail footfall fell 4.7 percent year-on-year in October, a steeper decline than September’s 2.9 percent drop, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor. The figures cover the four weeks from October 4 to 31, 2026.

High streets recorded the sharpest fall, with footfall down 5.2 percent, compared with a 3 percent decline in September. Shopping centre footfall fell 4.1 percent, against a 3.5 percent drop the previous month. Retail park footfall declined 3.6 percent, compared with a 1.7 percent fall in September.

Wales saw the steepest decline of the UK nations, with footfall down 6.3 percent. England followed at 4.6 percent, Scotland at 4.3 percent and Northern Ireland at 3.1 percent.

“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,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). “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.”

Dickinson called on the government to act on retail crime as part of its high street strategy. “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,” she said. “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 and analytics for EMEA at Sensormatic, said October’s decline was the steepest since April.

“October proved a difficult month for UK retail destinations, with footfall falling by -4.7% year-on-year, the steepest decline recorded since April. Retailers at high streets, retail parks and shopping centres all experienced lower visitor numbers as consumer confidence continues to decline in the face of ongoing economic pressures,” he 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.”

Sumpter added: “Attention now turns squarely towards the Black Friday period, which increasingly looks like a critical opportunity to inject some momentum into a Golden Quarter that has so far struggled to live up to its name.”