Inflation and fuel costs cut into stores’ footfall

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

UK retail footfall fell by 2.9 percent in September compared to last year, driven by inflation, higher fuel costs, and increased household expenses. This decline, occurring during the crucial pre-holiday sales period, adds pressure on retailers to attract customers amid economic uncertainty and rising operational costs.

UK retailers experienced a notable decline in footfall in September compared to the previous year, as rising inflation, fuel prices, and household expenses discouraged shoppers from visiting physical stores. Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic showed an overall 2.9 percent year-on-year drop in UK retail footfall for the month, representing a sharper decrease than August’s 1.7 percent decline.

High streets saw a 3 percent reduction in visitors, a marginal improvement over August’s 3.1 percent fall. Retail parks recorded a 1.7 percent decrease in foot traffic, while shopping centres faced a more significant 3.5 percent decline, a steep drop from the previous month’s 0.5 percent fall.

Regionally, England experienced the largest downturn with footfall down 3.4 percent year on year. Wales also saw a 3 percent decrease, and Scotland reported a smaller 0.7 percent decline. In contrast, Northern Ireland bucked the trend, posting a 2.1 percent increase in retail visits compared to September 2025.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, highlighted the challenges retailers face as they enter the critical final quarter of the year. She emphasized the pressure on retailers to attract customers through competitive pricing and product variety, while calling on the government to help ease the cost burdens associated with running businesses. “Retailers are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs,” she said, referring to rising operational expenses.

Andy Sumpter, head of analytics at Sensormatic, noted that consumers are increasingly concerned about broader economic factors, particularly inflation’s ongoing impact. He pointed out that retailers now confront heightened pressure to translate seasonal demand into physical store visits during the so-called “golden quarter” leading up to the holiday season.

The data suggests that economic uncertainties continue to weigh on consumer behavior, with many opting to reduce discretionary spending or shift to online shopping amid rising costs. Retailers, meanwhile, must navigate these challenges while preparing for a typically critical sales period.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.