Fragile consumer confidence and weather disruption led to a drop in Welsh footfall in November – a key part of retail's ‘golden quarter' of trading in the run-up to Christmas.
According to WRC-Sensormatic data, Welsh footfall decreased by 0.4% in November (YoY), down from +0.6% in October. Shopping centre footfall decreased by 1.6% in November (YoY), down from +0.4% in October.
Retail park footfall decreased by 1.5% in November (YoY), down from -0.8% in October. Footfall in Cardiff decreased by 3.2% (YoY), down from -2.1% in October.
Sara Jones, Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:
“Welsh retailers’ hopes of a sustained golden quarter shopping boost were dashed in November as footfall dipped and fragile consumer confidence continued to be weighed down by the run up to and aftermath of the UK Government’s Budget. Even Black Friday weekend, one of the busiest retail periods of the year, failed to deliver, with footfall down by more than three per cent year on year.
“Despite aggressive discounting and strong in-store offers, Welsh town and city centres were a touch quieter than even last year’s already weak performance, dealing a fresh concern over festive trading.
“As the golden quarter enters its final stretch, retailers will now be pinning their hopes on calmer weather and a late surge in shopper confidence and spending ahead of Christmas. Some retailers will welcome the Welsh Finance Secretary’s intervention to cut business rates bills for the smallest stores, but unless there are much needed changes modestly sized and larger stores in Wales are set to pay a considerably higher business rate than their English counterparts from April, which could force tough decisions in the months ahead – even if footfall improves before year end.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said:
“November saw footfall in Wales dip -0.4% year-on-year, a softer decline than the UK average but a reversal from last month’s positive +0.6%. Black Friday itself delivered a modest +0.2% uplift, yet gains were short-lived, with the Saturday and Sunday combined down -3.4%. Shopping centres and retail parks both struggled, falling -1.6% and -1.5% respectively, as financial uncertainty and storm disruption weighed on shopper confidence.
“Despite November’s setback, there’s still room for optimism. The golden quarter isn’t over, and with four of the predicted Top Five shopping days still ahead, the festive season could provide the boost retailers need. A last-minute rush may yet top off the year, turning caution into celebration. With the right mix of value, convenience, and experience, there’s still time to make December count.”
