September saw UK footfall decline -2.9% year-on-year, the latest data from the BRC-Sensormatic index showed. With economic concerns among shoppers prompting caution, last month’s “sluggish” store traffic performance follows a -1.7% year-on-year dip in August.

Shopping centres saw the largest fall last month, with visits dropping -3.5% compared to 2025, followed by High Street locations, down -3% year-on-year.

“September was sluggish for footfall as the end of summer saw fewer shoppers heading out,” Helen Dickinson, Chief Exec of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said. “While some seasonal slowdown is expected, this September saw a sharp decline compared to last year, with High Streets and shopping centres suffering most.”

“September marked another challenging month for UK retail destinations,” said Sensormatic’s EMEA Head of Consulting & Analytics, Andy Sumpter.

“Consumers appear increasingly focused on broader economic concerns, including the continued impact of inflation, household spending pressures, fuel costs and uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Budget.”

“The heat is now on for retail as the sector approaches its most important trading period of the year,” Sumpter added. “As the industry now enters the crucial Golden Quarter, retailers face heightened pressure to convert seasonal demand into store visits and spending.”

With the wider picture remaining “gloomy”, Dickinson called on the Government to use the Budget, which will be announced later this month, to “unlock vital investment” in the High Street.

“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 said.