Wales has experienced a significant surge in shoppers, surpassing other regions in the UK, according to Wales Online. Data from the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC) reveals a 5.4% year-on-year increase in retail footfall in Wales in September, outpacing England’s 3.6% rise, Northern Ireland’s 2.5%, and Scotland’s 0.7%. The south-east of England followed closely behind Wales with a 4.7% growth. The overall UK retail footfall increased by 3.3% in September, driven in part by back-to-school shopping.
While Wales reported a 1.8% year-on-year decline in August, the positive growth in September has provided a boost to Welsh retailers. Shopping centres in Wales, however, still experienced a decrease in footfall by 1.6%, an improvement from the 5.2% decline in August. Among the UK core cities, Cardiff saw the third-highest year-on-year growth in September, trailing behind Leeds and Bristol, with a 3.9% increase compared to a 4.1% decrease in August. Birmingham and Glasgow were the only cities that saw declines in footfall.
Sara Jones, head of the WRC, highlighted the significance of the positive footfall growth in Wales, marking the first year-on-year increase since March. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming Christmas shopping season for Welsh retailers and expressed hope for sustained footfall growth throughout the year. Government decisions, particularly related to business rates and regulatory measures, will play a crucial role in supporting the retail sector and fostering business confidence.
Andy Sumpter, a retail consultant at Sensormatic Solutions, noted the long-awaited positive uptick in footfall in September across the UK. Retail parks emerged as a popular shopping destination, driven by out-of-town supermarkets and discount retail offerings. While retailers welcomed the growth, many remained cautious due to the suppressed footfall from the previous year, underscoring the need for continued support and vigilance.
The positive retail footfall trends in Wales and the UK overall signal a promising start to the autumn shopping season. As Welsh retailers prepare for the festive period, the focus remains on sustaining growth and consumer confidence in the retail sector. The WRC’s budget recommendations to the Welsh Government aim to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic recovery in Wales.