Last month there was an almost three per cent increase in footfall across UK High Streets and retail parks, bringing shopper numbers to their highest level since the onset of the pandemic.

According to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic Solutions, the number of people on High Streets was down by nearly 12 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels but almost two per cent higher than the previous month.

Retail parks also saw an improvement on August figures, increasing by close to two per cent.

But shopping centre footfall lagged behind, with the same footfall recorded as the previous month.

“While total UK retail saw footfall recovery rise to its highest point this year compared to pre-pandemic levels in September, boosted in part by Back-To-School trading at the beginning of the month, retailers won’t be looking at High Street performance through rose-tinted glasses," said Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions. "With all eyes turning towards the Golden Quarter, perhaps with a starker air of caution given the financial turbulence seen over the last few weeks and higher energy bills starting to hit consumers from October, many are already downgrading Christmas trading forecasts amid shaky consumer confidence."

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