Welsh retail footfall recorded a sharper decline in October as the sector entered the crucial Christmas trading period.
According to WRC-Sensormatic data, Welsh footfall decreased by 6.3% in October (YoY), down from -3.0% in September.
Shopping centre footfall decreased by 10.0% in October (YoY), down from -5.0% in September. Retail park footfall decreased by 5.0% in October (YoY), down from -3.0% in September. In Cardiff, footfall decreased by 9.4% in October (YoY), down from -4.5% in September.
Sara Jones, Head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:
“Welsh shops suffered the sharpest fall in shopper visits of any UK nation or English region in October, with footfall down 6.3% compared to the previous year. The decline more than doubled September’s 3.0% fall, delivering a stark warning for retailers heading into the crucial Christmas trading period.
“Shopping centres bore the brunt, with visits down 10.0%, while Cardiff recorded a 9.4% decline and retail parks saw a 5.0% fall. Heavy rain and unsettled weather towards the end of October may have encouraged shoppers to stay home, adding to an already difficult month for Welsh retail.
“The sums simply don’t add up: fewer shoppers, higher business rates and households at risk of higher prices. These figures should set alarm bells ringing. This week’s Senedd decision to increase the higher multiplier adds to the cost of running stores at precisely the wrong moment. Retailers cannot simply absorb every extra tax bill, the risk is higher prices at the tills, squeezed investment and less money to put into Welsh high streets.
“Smaller premises need support, but shifting the burden onto larger stores that draw customers into our town centres is no route to recovery. With footfall this weak, piling on costs risks making everyday shopping more expensive for households and putting recovery further out of reach. Wales needs more customers through shop doors – not more pressure on prices.”
Andy Sumpter, Head of Consulting & Analytics – EMEA for Sensormatic, said:
“October proved a particularly challenging month for Welsh retail destinations, with footfall falling by -6.3% year-on-year, the steepest decline recorded since April and notably weaker than the UK average. Retailers across Wales faced a difficult trading environment as consumer confidence remained subdued and spending pressures continued to influence shopping habits at the start of the Golden Quarter.
“Severe weather conditions added further disruption throughout the month, with Storms Austen and Boelo impacting travel and discouraging discretionary trips to retail destinations. The week most affected by the storms saw footfall decline by -8.4%, highlighting the significant impact adverse weather had on shopper activity during an already challenging period for retailers.
“While retailers will be hoping the worst of the weather disruption is now behind them, the focus quickly turns towards the Black Friday period and the festive season beyond. With footfall under pressure and the Golden Quarter yet to gain meaningful momentum, promotional events and seasonal demand will play a critical role in encouraging shoppers back into stores during the industry’s most important trading period of the year.”
