City centres throughout the UK are currently experiencing a challenging period as they struggle to draw in shoppers amid low footfall numbers. Recent data from tracking firm Springboard indicates that footfall to retail destinations in the five weeks leading up to October 3 has shown a slight improvement compared to previous months. However, footfall still remains significantly lower than it was at the same time last year.
Central London, in particular, continues to face difficulties with footfall down by 28.2% year-on-year. While there has been a slight improvement from the previous months, it is still concerning for retailers in the area.
The month of September witnessed a noticeable decline in footfall in city centres across the UK as students returned to school and restrictions on movement increased. This downward trend was especially evident in regional cities, where footfall saw a significant decline of 35.8% in September.
In contrast, retail parks emerged as the winners during this tough period, with footfall during daytime trading hours only 7.3% lower than in 2019. On the other hand, high streets and shopping centers saw a larger decline of 34.6% and 31.5% respectively.
The recent implementation of a 10pm curfew for the hospitality sector has also impacted stores in city centers. With less foot traffic from office workers and tourists, footfall in Central London dropped by 56.4% in September.
The future remains uncertain for retailers in city centres as they navigate through these challenging times. Adapting to changing consumer behaviors and embracing new strategies will be key to attracting shoppers and driving footfall in these crucial locations.
To learn more about how retailers can adapt to the changing landscape of city centers, check out these useful links:
The Future of the High Street in a Post-Pandemic World
The Impact of Concessions on Retail in City Centers
