November footfall declines as shoppers move online

November saw a 2.1% year-on-year decline in overall footfall in UK stores, according to data collected by Springboard.

The figure was also 0.2% lower than October's figure and below the September-November average of -0.8%.

The sharpest drop was seen on the high street, down 3.4% year-on-year and in shopping centres, down 2.8%. The picture was brighter for retail parks, which saw a 2% rise compared to 2014.

The weak figures have been blamed on Black Friday, which saw people shopping online instead of in-store.

"Shopper footfall wilted once again last month, as consumers shunned high streets and instead sought to take advantage of online 'Black Friday' promotions and discounts which often ranged across several days," said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.

"As a result, November was the eighth consecutive month in which shopper footfall declined, and at a faster rate than the three-month average.

"Those retailers with a strong multichannel offer - allowing customers to shop in-store, at home and on the move - will have been well placed to capitalise on this further milestone in the development of our digital economy. Once again retail parks performed well, with high streets and shopping malls lagging behind.

"The retail industry is undergoing profound structural change at a time when shop prices are falling and margins are thin, and this requires a supportive public policy environment which keeps a firm lid on government-inspired costs which could cost the industry an extra £14bn over the next five years."

Footfall at retail parks has increased annually for the past 23 consecutive months with an average increase of 2.4% over this period, which Springboard marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle said was due to their convenience, choice and customer service being better than on the high street on in shopping centres.

"Shoppers are increasingly seeking out this traditional retail destination as a strong alternative to online as they have an expanding breadth of offer, together with a core edit of retail brands to choose from," she said.

"There is an evident need for urban shopping destinations to see 2016 as an opportunity to focus on cracking the perennial issue of convenient parking options for shoppers, as most retail parks offer this free of charge.

"Such changes as improving easy access to town centres could ensure the decline in footfall observed in November, and throughout the year, is mitigated next year."