UK retail footfall fell by nearly 5% in October, with bad weather and low consumer confidence blamed for the decline, according to the latest industry figures.
Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and analytics firm Sensormatic showed total retail footfall was down 4.7% compared with the same month in 2025. The figures covered the four weeks from 4 October to 31 October.
High streets hit hardest
High streets saw the steepest decline, with footfall falling 5.2%, while shopping centres and retail parks recorded smaller drops. Regionally, Wales suffered the most, with a 6.3% fall.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, 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,” she added.
Retail crime concerns
Dickinson also cited retail crime, saying shops must be made “safe for both shoppers and retail staff”. She acknowledged police efforts to crack down on repeat shoplifters and other offenders but said more was needed.
She said: “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.”
Seasonal uplift limited
Andy Sumpter, head of consulting and analytics for Sensormatic, said the October fall in footfall was the steepest since April. He added: “Halloween delivered a brief seasonal uplift, but beyond that, retailers found little to celebrate. The month’s performance suggests shoppers are continuing to prioritise essential spending, leaving discretionary retail expenditure under pressure.”
