High Streets See Largest Monthly Drop in Over a Decade
- UK retail footfall experiences first annual decline since 2019
- Sharpest monthly fall in over a decade for high streets
- Retail parks see a rise of 1.9% year on year
- Monthly decline driven by high street visits and shopping centres
- September trends align with pre-pandemic patterns
- Weekday visits up 0.5%, weekends down 0.9%
- Consumer confidence weakens due to interest rate rise
- Buy Now, Pay Later services see increased adoption among older shoppers
Retail footfall across the UK fell by 0.2% year on year in September, marking the first annual decline since 2019, according to MRI Software’s data covering the five-week period from 31 August to 4 October 2025. The sharpest month-on-month drop in activity since 2014 was driven by a 1.1% fall in high street visits and a 0.2% decline in shopping centres, while retail parks rose 1.9%. As schools reopen and routines resume, the data reflects typical September trends influenced by natural seasonality and consumer sentiment. Month on month, total footfall dropped by 4.4%, with high streets experiencing the largest fall at 6.3%, followed by retail parks at 3.9% and shopping centres at 0.9%. Weekday visits increased 0.5% compared to last year, offsetting a 0.9% decline at weekends, signaling the recovery of commuter-led activity. In central London, MRI Software’s ‘Back to Office’ benchmark fell 5.6%, with early September impacted by post-holiday slowdown and the end of the month affected by Storm Amy. Despite this, national footfall dropped 4.2% week on week due to the storm. High street visits plummeted 14.7% on October 3 and 4, while retail parks and shopping centres were less impacted. Consumer confidence weakened in September, dropping two points to -19 following August’s interest rate rise. Despite subdued overall spending, Buy Now, Pay Later services saw increased adoption among older shoppers.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the decline in UK retail footfall, citing a source (MRI Software) and discussing various factors affecting consumer behavior. It also mentions the impact of weather events and offers insights on how retailers can adapt to changing trends.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about UK retail footfall trends and consumer behavior, including seasonal patterns, weather impacts, and the use of Buy Now, Pay Later services. It also offers insights on how retailers can prepare for the upcoming holiday season. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or contextualization of the data and potential long-term implications.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses changes in footfall and spending patterns in the UK retail sector, which can impact companies’ revenues and financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the article
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