Footfall weakened in November dropping by -51.2%, compared with -31.5% in October and -28.2% in September, the latest report from analysts Springboard has revealed.
Footfall declined by -58.7% in high streets, -58.8% in shopping centres and -26.9% in retail parks. The decline in footfall in November was less severe than in April/May when it averaged -76.7% .
Springboard said that the more modest decline in footfall during lockdown two versus lockdown one suggests a degree of “Lockdown Fatigue” amongst consumers who continue to make trips to retail destinations despite the ongoing closure of hospitality.
The “Lockdown Fatigue” indicates a pent up demand amongst shoppers for visits to bricks and mortar stores – reflected in an increase in footfall on Black Friday of +8.7% from the previous Friday .
Springboard’s marketing and insights director Diane Wehrle commented: “Whilst destinations and stores will need to woo shoppers back with the prospect of a safe shopping experience, we are anticipating a sudden and pronounced bounce back in footfall following the reopening of non-essential stores in England this week. Indeed, this bounce back could reduce the decline in footfall to around a half of its current level, which would be welcome news for retailers who have just three weeks in which to recover nine weeks of sales lost during the most critical trading period of the year. “
