The number of shoppers out and about in the UK fell for the second month in a row in November as the later timing of the Black Friday discount spree, Storm Bert and weak consumer confidence depressed sales.
Shopping centres were hit hardest, but the number of visitors to high streets and retail parks also fell with the north-east of England, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland most affected, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic.
Total footfall at retail destinations fell 4.5% in the four weeks to 23 November, led by a 6.1% drop at shopping centres. Sales were down almost 11% in Leeds and about 9% in Cardiff and Glasgow where poor weather contributed to the decline.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, said: “Footfall took a disappointing tumble in November, as a later than usual Black Friday and low consumer confidence meant customers were hesitant to hit the shops.
“Some northern cities also suffered particularly badly due to Storm Bert, which caused travel disruption towards the end of the month. Retailers remain hopeful that the Black Friday and Christmas sales will help to turn around the declining footfall seen through most of 2024, crucial as we enter the ‘golden quarter’.”
Online trading was also poor before Black Friday, leaving retailers wondering if there will be a big rise this weekend, when discounts increase alongside payday for many workers.
Clothing retailers will be hoping the recent cold snap helps clear coats and boots that have been languishing on shelves amid a warmer autumn.
Kien Tan at the advisory firm PwC said he was still optimistic about trading this weekend.
Strong sectors are expected to include gaming, after the launch of new hardware and titles, including the latest Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, and mobile, which has been boosted by demand for artificial intelligence-led services and the iPhone 16 launch.
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“I think Black Friday will be strong. There are more people looking for discounts and disposable income is up 10% year on year,” said Tan. He said there had been nervousness around the budget announcement but there may now be relief that, at least short term, it largely “affects business not people”.
He added that retailers had tried to spread the rise in spending to avoid delivery difficulties, with targeted deals aimed at loyalty scheme members or those signed up for email notifications.