UK retail footfall fell by 2.9 per cent in September as fewer shoppers visited high streets, shopping centres and retail parks, raising concerns for retailers heading into the all-important Golden Quarter.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic show that footfall declined further compared with August, when visitor numbers were down 1.7 per cent year-on-year.

The data, covering the five weeks from 30 August to 3 October 2026, revealed that shopping centres experienced the sharpest decline, with footfall falling by 3.5 per cent, compared with a 0.5 per cent decrease in August.

High streets also struggled, recording a 3 per cent drop in visitor numbers, although this was a slight improvement on August’s 3.1 per cent decline.

Retail parks, meanwhile, saw footfall fall by 1.7 per cent, reversing the 1 per cent growth recorded the previous month.

Across the UK, England recorded the largest decrease at 3.4 per cent, followed by Wales at 3 per cent and Scotland at 0.7 per cent. Northern Ireland was the only nation to buck the trend, with footfall increasing by 2.1 per cent.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said the figures painted a concerning picture for retailers as they prepare for the busiest shopping period of the year.

“September was sluggish for footfall as the end of summer saw fewer shoppers heading out. While some seasonal slowdown is expected, this September saw a sharp decline compared to last year, with high streets and shopping centres suffering most,” she said.

“Retailers in Northern Ireland will be encouraged to see footfall holding up, but as the only part of the UK to buck the trend, the wider picture remains gloomy.”

With Black Friday and Christmas approaching, Ms Dickinson warned that rising operating costs continue to place considerable pressure on retailers, calling on the Government to take action in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

“As we enter the crucial final quarter, retailers will do all they can to attract shoppers with great value and choice. But until Government acts to reduce the cost of doing business, retailers are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs,” she added.

She urged the Chancellor to avoid another increase in business rates, arguing that the move would help unlock investment in shops and high streets, support employment and enable retailers to keep prices down.

Andy Sumpter, Head of Consulting and Analytics for EMEA at Sensormatic, suggested that the continued decline in shopper numbers could not simply be blamed on seasonal changes or the weather.

Instead, he pointed towards wider economic uncertainty, including inflation, household spending pressures, fuel costs and concerns surrounding the Autumn Budget.

“September marks another challenging month for UK retail destinations, with footfall remaining firmly in negative territory and declining across all major retail location types,” he said.

“While temperatures remained above seasonal norms, retailers cannot attribute this month’s performance to the weather.”

For independent electrical retailers, the figures highlight the challenging trading environment ahead of the final quarter, when Black Friday promotions and Christmas purchases traditionally provide opportunities to drive sales of TVs, home appliances and consumer electronics.

With consumers continuing to face pressure on household budgets, attracting customers into physical stores and converting visits into sales will be particularly important in the weeks ahead.

Mr Sumpter added that retailers would need to give consumers compelling reasons to visit stores, particularly while confidence remains fragile.

“As the industry now enters the crucial Golden Quarter, retailers face heightened pressure to convert seasonal demand into store visits and spending,” he said.

“The months ahead will be critical, with businesses looking to deliver compelling reasons for shoppers to return to physical stores at a time when consumer confidence remains fragile.

“The heat is now on for retail as the sector approaches its most important trading period of the year.”

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