Footfall in Scottish shops saw a boost last month, according to the latest data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)-Sensormatic. The figures for October showed a 0.8% increase in footfall compared to the same time last year, which is better than the UK average decrease of 1.1%.
In addition, shopping centre footfall in Scotland rose by 3.5% year on year in October, indicating a positive trend in consumer behavior. Glasgow experienced a 1.6% increase in footfall, outperforming Edinburgh, where footfall rose by 1%.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, highlighted the positive performance of Scottish stores in October, ranking fourth among all 13 UK nations and regions surveyed. He emphasized the importance of this momentum leading up to the Christmas season, traditionally known as the “golden quarter” for retailers.
Despite the improvement in footfall, Lonsdale acknowledged that the comparison was against a period when Scotland faced severe weather conditions, which impacted consumer behavior. He emphasized the need for a strong performance during the golden quarter to offset any financial challenges retailers may face in the coming months.
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, noted the marginal increase in footfall from August to October and highlighted the importance of sustained efforts by retailers to drive footfall and sales during the crucial Christmas trading period.
Overall, the positive trend in footfall in Scottish shops bodes well for retailers as they enter the festive season. By focusing on providing compelling reasons for customers to visit stores, retailers can capitalize on this momentum and drive sales during the holiday period.
