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Increasingly wet weather and growing concerns about fuel and supply shortages through September held back the recovery of pandemic-hit retailers, according to new figures.
BRC-Sensormatic IQ’s latest monthly footfall monitor showed footfalls at UK shopping destinations decreased by 16.8% in the five weeks to October 2 compared to the same period in 2019, prior to that the pandemic hit.
The heads of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said they believe some shoppers chose to stay home due to weather conditions and concerns about access to fuel.
Helen Dickinson, Executive Director of BRC, said: “While the influx in early September was strong, it slowed throughout the month as increased rains and continued fuel and supply problems convinced some consumers of stay at home.
As we approach Christmas, it is imperative that the government take more steps to address the driver shortage, which is increasing costs and creating delays throughout the supply chain.
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“The last week of September saw the worst overall footfall levels since the last week of July this year, shortly after the latest Covid restrictions were lifted, demonstrating the fragility of consumer confidence and how the economic recovery Covid can be so easily undermined. ‘
The latest figures showed that shopping malls had another steamy month.
The influx of shopping centers in September was 35.6% below the same level in 2019, delaying its recovery as the level of decline increased 2.7 percentage points from August.
Main streets reported that footfall was down 22.6% from the same period two years ago, as their recovery improved since August.
Meanwhile, commercial parks revealed that the influx was only 1.6% lower than in the same month of 2019, as they continued to be particularly resilient.
The figures come in a challenging period for the industry as retailers address driver shortages, staffing issues and global supply chain disruption.
Ms. Dickinson added: “As we approach Christmas, it is imperative that the government take more steps to address the driver shortage, which is increasing costs and creating delays throughout the supply chain.
“Retailers are trying to recruit and train thousands of new British drivers, but 5,000 visas are not enough to fill the gap in the short term.
“The government should expand the visa scheme to help prevent clients from facing a significant disruption this Christmas.”
Andy Sumpter, Europe, Middle East and Asia Retail Consultant at Sensormatic Solutions, said: “Looking ahead, retailers will have the golden quarter to capitalize on the holiday trade as the Main Street recovery continues.
“And with our research showing 79% of consumers will start holiday shopping between now and early December, October and November will be critical months to encourage shoppers to return to the store.”
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