‘Low consumer confidence’ ahead of Budget drives drop in UK footfall

Total UK footfall decreased by 1.8% year-on-year in September, down from -0.4% in August, according to the latest data from BRC-Sensormatic, with consumer caution ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November cited.

Covering the five weeks from 31 August to 4 October 2025, high street footfall dropped by 2.5% year-on-year in September, down from an increase of 1.1% in August, while shopping centre footfall decreased by 2% in September - down from 0.0% in August.

Retail park footfall also dipped by 0.8% year-on-year in September, however that was up from -1.1% in August.

Footfall decreased year-on-year across all nations again: down 1.8% in England, 2.3% in Scotland, 0.5% in Northern Ireland, while the largest decrease was 2.5% in Wales.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: "Low consumer confidence ahead of a potential tax-rising Budget kept many shoppers away from retail locations in September.

"Tube strikes in London, heavy rainfall in the first half of September and Storm Amy towards the end of the month exacerbated the decline. While August saw stronger growth in high street footfall, September saw high streets back as the weakest performer across all retail locations. For the first time since June, all three retail destinations recorded year-on-year declines in shopper traffic.

"Retailers ability to invest in local communities and high streets has been hampered by last year’s Budget, which added £5 billion in employment costs to the industry, in addition to a new packaging tax.

"For retailers to invest in shopping destinations that will entice shoppers back, the government imposed cost burdens holding back that investment must be lifted.

"The upcoming Budget is the moment for the Chancellor to do just that, deliver the Labour manifesto commitment of a meaningful reduction in business rates for the industry and ensure no shop pays more in the process."

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: "The month began with a modest uplift, driven by back to school shopping, but momentum was quickly disrupted. London’s Tube strikes mid-month and Storm Amy at the end brought widespread disruption, impacting shopper activity nationwide.

"These events compounded an already cautious consumer mood, with many still navigating cost pressures and economic uncertainty. Retailers will now be hoping that September’s slowdown was less a sign of retreat, and more a pause for thought.

"As we move into Q4, the opportunity lies in converting that caution into confidence - especially for those who can deliver value, experience and convenience in equal measure. While not easy, it is essential."