Retail footfall across the UK fell in November as adverse weather and Budget uncertainty weighed on consumer behaviour, according to BRC-Sensormatic data covering 2–29 November 2025.
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Total UK footfall decreased by 0.8% year-on-year, down from a 0.7% fall in October. High Street footfall was hardest hit, declining 1.2%, compared with a modest 0.6% increase the previous month. Shopping Centres saw a 1.3% fall, while Retail Parks showed relative resilience with a smaller 0.4% decrease.
The performance varied across the nations. Northern Ireland recorded a 2.7% increase in footfall, while Scotland and Wales saw slight declines of 0.3% and 0.4% respectively. England experienced the steepest fall at 1.0%.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
"Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising Budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month. Storm Claudia prompted many consumers to search online for Black Friday deals throughout November, leading some to not visit bricks-and-mortar stores on Black Friday. There was good news in some northern UK cities as Manchester and Sheffield continued to buck the trend, recording positive footfall for the eighth consecutive month."
Dickinson added:
"With the Golden Quarter in full swing, retailers are continuing to invest what they can to entice customers into stores over Christmas. However, as we approach the New Year, given the downward trend in footfall across recent years, we need a comprehensive strategy to revitalise our high streets and shopping centres, from better transport, affordable parking, to a reformed planning system to enable faster, better development."
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, commented:
"November marked the seventh consecutive month of declining footfall. Total UK footfall slipped -0.8% year-on-year, as Black Friday failed to deliver the expected boost despite early and deep discounting. The Autumn Budget, landing just days before the event, cast a long shadow over consumer confidence, with leaks and tax rumours fuelling uncertainty. Storm Claudia added insult to injury, knocking shopper numbers back by 11% mid-month, while financial pressures kept discretionary spend firmly in check. High Streets and Shopping Centres bore the brunt, while Retail Parks showed relative resilience. London, however, stood out as a rare bright spot, posting positive growth against the national trend."
The data highlights ongoing challenges for UK retailers as they navigate a combination of weather disruptions, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer habits in the run-up to Christmas.
More information:
BRC
www.brc.org.uk
