Wales sees November footfall dip as Budget jitters and storms hit high streets
Wales sees November footfall dip as Budget jitters and storms hit high streets
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Wales’ retail sector faced a challenging November as footfall declined by 0.4% year-on-year, according to the latest BRC–Sensormatic figures.
The fall places Wales broadly in line with the rest of the UK, where consumer confidence weakened ahead of the Autumn Budget and severe weather disrupted shopping patterns across the month.
The data, covering the four weeks from 2–29 November, shows that total UK footfall slipped by 0.8% year-on-year, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline.
While Northern Ireland bucked the trend with a 2.7% increase, all other nations recorded falls: Scotland by 0.3%, Wales by 0.4% and England by 1.0%.
UK-wide, footfall on high streets decreased by 1.2% compared with the 0.6% rise seen in October, as strong winds and persistent rainfall kept shoppers indoors.
Shopping centres performed no better, with footfall falling 1.3%. Retail parks proved more resilient, slipping just 0.4% in November.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising Budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month.
“Storm Claudia prompted many consumers to search online for Black Friday deals throughout November, leading some to not visit bricks-and-mortar stores on Black Friday.
“There was good news in some northern UK cities as Manchester and Sheffield continued to buck the trend, recording positive footfall for the eighth consecutive month.
“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 EMEA for Sensormatic, said: “November marked the seventh consecutive month of declining footfall. Total UK footfall slipped -0.8% year-on-year, as 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.
“Storm Claudia added insult to injury, knocking shopper numbers back by 11% mid-month, while financial pressures kept discretionary spend firmly in check.
“High Streets and Shopping Centres bore the brunt, while Retail Parks showed relative resilience. London, however, stood out as a rare bright spot, posting positive growth against the national trend.”
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