Yorkshire third-lowest region for footfall growth as consumer confidence and storms deter shoppers

In Yorkshire and the Humber, footfall decreased 5.2 per cent year-on-year against 3.6 per cent in September, marking the third worst growth in the UK.

Only South East England and Wales placed below the region, with Wales suffering the worst year-on-year decrease at 6.3 per cent.

Speaking on the results, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, 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.”

According to BRC data, High Street footfall decreased by 5.2 per cent in October year-on-year, down from a drop of 3.0 per cent in September.

Retail Park footfall decreased by 3.6 per cent in October, down from 1.7 per cent a month prior, while Shopping Centre footfall also decreased by 4.1 per cent in October, down from 3.5 per cent in September.

Ms Dickinson also welcomed the Government’s new high street strategy, but warned that more must be done to make shoppers safer.

She said: “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.”

The West Midlands saw the most positive results, with a dip in footfall of 2.1 per cent year-on-year, compared to 0 per cent in September.

Northern Ireland came second with year-on-year footfall dropping 3.1 per cent, compared to 2.1 per cent in September, followed by the East of England, with a four per cent year-on-year drop, compared to three per cent in September.

Andy Sumpter, head of consulting & analytics - EMEA for Sensormatic, said: "October proved a difficult month for UK retail destinations, with footfall falling by -4.7 per cent 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.

“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.

"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.”