Wales sees the biggest rise in shoppers in the UK
The rise in retail footfall in September will come as a boost to Welsh retailers
by Sion Barry · Wales OnlineWelsh retailers have been boosted after reporting the the highest year-on-year pick up in retail footfall in the UK. New figures from the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC) show a 5.4% year-on-year increase in September, eclipsing the 3.6% rise in England, 2.5% in Northern Ireland and 0.7% in Scotland.
The second highest growth of any UK nation or region was in the south east of England at 4.7%. For the UK as a whole the increase was 3.3%, in part boosted by back to school related shopping.
The welcomed rise for Wales in September, followed the 1.8% year-on-year decline reported by the WRC for August. However for one segment of the retail market, shopping centres, footfall was still in negative terrain at minus 1.6%, although an improvement on minus 5.2% in August.
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Of the UK core cities, Cardiff experienced the third highest year-on-year growth in September, behind Leeds and Bristol, at 3.9%. This compared with a 4.1% fall in August. The only cities to see a decline were Birmingham (down 0.1%) and Glasgow (down 1%)
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION
| GROWTH RANK | NATION AND REGION | Sep-24 | Aug -24 |
| 1 | Wales | +5.4% | -1.8% |
| 2 | South East England | +5.2% | -0.4% |
| 3 | East of England | +4.7% | – |
| 4 | North West England | +4.7% | +0.7% |
| 5 | South West England | +4.6% | -1.7% |
| 5 | Yorkshire and the Humber | +4.2% | -2.2% |
| 7 | East Midlands | +3.6% | -0.1% |
| 8 | England | +3.6% | -0.5% |
| 9 | West Midlands | +3.0% | -0.8% |
| 10 | Northern Ireland | +2.5% | +1.4% |
| 11 | London | +2.5% | +0.8% |
| 12 | North East England | +1.1% | -0.5% |
| 13 | Scotland | +0.7% | +0.7% |
TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY
| GROWTH RANK | CITY | Sep-24 | Aug -24 |
| 1 | Leeds | +6.9% | -1.5% |
| 2 | Bristol | +5.0% | -4.2% |
| 2 | Cardiff | +3.9% | -4.1% |
| 4 | Belfast | +3.7% | -0.2% |
| 5 | Manchester | +3.4% | -1.4% |
| 6 | Edinburgh | +2.8% | +2.6% |
| 7 | Nottingham | +2.6% | -3.6% |
| 8 | London | +2.5% | +0.8% |
| 9 | Liverpool | +1.8% | -1.9% |
| 10 | Birmingham | -0.1% | -8.1% |
| 11 | Glasgow | -1.0% | -0.6% |
Sara Jones, head of the WRC, said: “Welsh footfall returned its first year on year growth since March, with a positive start to the autumn shopping period. Bolstered by return to school preparations shopper numbers were up 7.2% on the preceding month and 5.4% on the previous year. These standout figures place Wales at the top of the footfall league, surpassing other UK nations and regions, and providing the first real sign of positivity for almost two years.
“Whilst the figures paint a glowing picture for September it remains the case that these are just one month’s figures. It will be a nervous wait for Welsh retailers as they move into the golden quarter of Christmas shopping, a period which is vital to their annual performance. Given the relatively lacklustre shopper numbers throughout 2024, it is hoped that renewed confidence will return, and footfall growth will be sustained for the remainder of the year.
“Fundamental to ongoing growth in the retail industry – Wales’ largest private sector employer - will be Government decisions in the upcoming Autumn statement and Welsh budget. The WRC will shortly be presenting our own budget recommendations to the Welsh Government, calling for support on business rates and an easing of regulatory pressures. By acting on our recommendations a clear signal can be sent, that Wales is a great place to do business and can thrive in the years to come..”
On the UK picture, Andy Sumpter, retail consultant Sensormatic Solutions, which carried out the research, said: “September saw a long-awaited positive uptick in footfall, with total shopper numbers returning the first positive year-on-year performance since March 2024, as back to school boosted store visits.
“While across the UK, high street and shopping centres saw improvements compared to last year, Retail parks were once again the standout shopping destination, with their tenant mix of out-of-town supermarkets and discount retail offerings helping to drive shopper traffic. This September’s growth is built on last year’s suppressed footfall, so while retailers will welcome the boost, many will still be eyeing it with caution.”