Black Friday boosts retail footfall - BRC

UK retail footfall stabilised in November, industry data showed on Friday, as shoppers snapped up Black Friday bargains.

According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor, footfall decreased by 0.7% in the four weeks to 25 November year-on-year, a notable improvement on October’s 5.7% decline.

Within that, footfall fell 1.7% on high streets, by 1% in retail parks and 2.2% in shopping centres.

A month previously, footfall had slumped 4.6% on high streets, 4.3% in retail parks and 7.3% in shopping centres.

Footfall on Black Friday itself was up 52.4% week-on-week.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "A slight uptick in consumer confidence, as well as easing inflationary pressures and more predictable weather, led to an improvement in footfall compared to the previous month.

"After a slow October start, the month-long Black Friday sales helped to get shoppers out to their town and city centres."

Andy Sumpter, EMEA retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, said: "Despite disruption from Storm Ciaran earlier in the month, November’s footfall rallied, buoyed by Black Friday trading and retailers offering extended discounts to spark early Christmas spend and secure a festive share of wallet.

"However, it’s worth noting that while welcome, this recent boost to retailers has been driven by price and promotions.

"Footfall’s recovery in November will allow retailers to look ahead to Christmas trading with more confidence. But the challenge will be not just encouraging ongoing spend into December - when disposable incomes remain squeezed - but also ensuring discounting is optimised to protect margin."