Footfall on Gloucestershire's high streets and retail parks took a hit for the second month in a row in November, according to figures released today by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The trade association said the later timing of the Black Friday discount initiative, the soggy impact of Storm Bert and a general slackening in consumer confidence knocked sales - with all marketing eyes now focused on the crucial remaining days to Christmas.

Shopping centres were apparently hit hardest, while the number of visitors to high streets and retail parks also fell, although with the north-east of England, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland most affected, the West Country took less of a hit, according to BRC's latest data which is compiled in tandem with Sensormatic.

Overall, total footfall at retail destinations fell 4.5% in the four weeks to 23 November, while a 6.1% drop was evidenced at shopping centres. The results showed how sales dropped almost 11% in Leeds and some 9% in Cardiff and Glasgow, both cities taking an economic soaking from Storm Bert.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: "Footfall took a disappointing tumble in November, as a later-than-usual Black Friday and low consumer confidence meant customers were hesitant to hit the shops. Some northern cities also suffered particularly badly due to Storm Bert, which caused travel disruption towards the end of the month. Retailers remain hopeful that the Black Friday and Christmas sales will help to turn around the declining footfall seen through most of 2024, crucial as we enter the 'golden quarter'."

Today's concerns over footfall are echoed in this week's Punchline Talks B!g Interview with Superdry owner Julian Dunkerton, which you can see here.

Ms Dickinson added: "Retail not only contributes to the economy of local areas but is essential to everyday life in communities across the country. New costs bearing down on retailers in 2025, including from rises in Employer National Insurance, National Living Wage, and packaging taxes, means investment in jobs, stores, and high streets will likely be curtailed. If the Government wishes to bolster footfall and the growth and investment that would come with it, it must help retailers mitigate the impact of the £7 billion additional costs they face from next year."

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, added: "Retail store visits dipped in November as consumer confidence remains volatile, perhaps not helped by post-Budget spending jitters and shoppers withholding festive purchases, opting instead to shop around for the best prices or hold out for further discounting.

"This lacklustre footfall performance will have come as a blow for many retailers, who would have been counting on getting early Christmas trading results under their belts before the start of advent. However, it's worth noting that these figures do not include Black Friday and the Saturday of the Black Friday weekend - tipped as one of the top busiest days for store shopping during peak trading - which will hopefully jump start seasonal shopping."

He added that all eyes now turn to December, "where retailers hope to make up for lost ground and turn around their festive fortunes. This will rely not only on effective merchandising and shored up inventory availability, but on building the compelling and immersive experiences that bring the seasonal magic to life in-store."