An uptick in consumer confidence is reflecting in subtle signs of a footfall set to improve, a leading retail expert has stated, citing the latest data released on Friday (Feb 13).
According to BRC-Sensormatic data, total UK footfall decreased by 0.6 per cent in January (YoY), up from -2.9 per cent in December. High Street footfall decreased by 1.9 per cent while retail park footfall increased by 1.1 per cent in January (YoY).
Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 0.8 per cent in January (YoY).
Scotland recorded the strongest year-on-year growth in footfall, up 5.1 per cent, with Northern Ireland also seeing strong growth of 3.8 per cent. By contrast, footfall fell across the rest of the UK, falling by 1.4 per cent in England and dropping more sharply in Wales, which recorded the largest decline at 2.8 per cent, when compared to last year.
Commenting on the figure, retail expert Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, "Although footfall edged down in January compared to a year earlier, it was much better than the disappointing Christmas period.
"The best performing cities were in the north, where shopper traffic was hit badly by severe storms last year, and retail parks also recorded positive growth, as customers made the most of free parking to shop in person during the January sales.
"An uptick in consumer confidence and possible signs of a footfall recovery offer some cautious optimism for some spring like green shoots. Government can enable retailers to build on this momentum by incentivising, rather than inhibiting, investment in stores and colleagues across the country.
"Upcoming legislation, including the Employment Rights Act, must support the long-term growth agenda, helping create the virtuous circle of jobs, investment in local communities, and footfall growth.
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented, "January offered a welcome reset for UK retail, with footfall recording its best performance in five months. Shopper traffic remained in negative territory, but the dial moved in the right direction, marking a clear improvement on December and the wider golden quarter.
"Some of this uplift will have been driven by savvier spending behaviours, as consumers took advantage of New Year promotions and sought out value after a stretched festive period.
"Storm Goretti, however, put a dampener on activity in parts of the month, disrupting travel and suppressing visits — a reminder that weather can play an outsized role in shaping shopper behaviour.
"Still, January shows that momentum is possible. As retailers look to build on a steadier start to the year, those who can deliver value, experience and convenience will be best placed to turn tentative steps into returning footfall.
"After a long nine months of negative footfall, and a near flat January, some retailers will be brave enough to hope for growth next month."