Footfall in Scottish shops increased in September, figures show

But, the Scottish Retail Consortium says it was still below the UK average rise

Footfall in Scottish shops increased last month as stores saw “steady if unspectacular growth” in visits by customers, figures show.

The latest Scottish Retail Consortium data shows footfall increased 0.7% in September year-on-year, though this was below the UK average rise of 3.3%.

However, retail experts cautioned an increase in customer browsing does not necessarily mean shoppers will buy more.

They urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to inject some “much-needed confidence” back into the economy in her upcoming Budget to encourage shoppers to spend.

The latest Scottish figures show shopping centre footfall decreased 2.4% year-on-year in September.

The data, which covers the period from August 25 to September 28 this year, also shows footfall in Edinburgh increased by 2.8% year-on-year, but in Glasgow it decreased 1%.

SRC director David Lonsdale said: “September saw a steady if unspectacular growth in shopper foot-traffic compared to the previous year.

“Nonetheless, this is a positive trajectory – and for a second successive month – particularly ahead of the so-called ‘golden quarter’ for much of Scotland’s retail industry.

“Once again Edinburgh was the standout destination, seeing growth for a fourth month in a row. However, footfall to shopping centres dipped to their lowest level since the spring.

“There is a note of caution in that improvements in footfall haven’t always correlated with an increase in the value of retail sales. Frustratingly for retailers more browsing by customers doesn’t necessarily mean more buying.

“As such, the hoped-for positive knock-on economic impact of an expansion in footfall cannot be taken for granted.”

He warned some recent public policy decisions will likely “nibble away” at disposable incomes, such as the removal of the peak rail fares discount and the increase in the minimum unit price of alcohol.

Mr Lonsdale said: “Enhanced levels of consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery.

“Hopefully, the Chancellor will use her upcoming Budget to inject some much-needed confidence back into the economy and help encourage shoppers to move from window shopping to the real thing in the ‘golden quarter’ of trading.”

Andy Sumpter, a retail consultant at Sensormatic Solutions, said: “September saw another positive uptick in footfall, building on the positive year-on-year performance in August, as back to school boosted store visits.”

Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “The retail sector is a vital part of Scotland’s economy and figures show more people are shopping in our towns and cities compared to this time last year while consumer confidence is moving in a positive direction.

“However, as a report today from the Fraser of Allander Institute points out, consumers may be concerned about budgetary uncertainty.

“The Chancellor should use her forthcoming Budget to deliver growth and prosperity.”

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