The rate of retail footfall decline in Wales has slowed according to new research from the Welsh Retail Consortium.

In November footfall was down 0.4% on November 2022, which was shallower than the 5.6% year-on-year fall in October. The biggest decline was felt in shopping centres with a 10.4% decline - which was 1.7% worse than in October. T

The highest year-on-year decline in November was seen in Northern Ireland with a dip of 4.9%. England saw a decline of 1% and Scotland 0.9%. Only two parts of the UK experienced rises, with Yorkshire and the Humber up 0.5% and the West Midlands 1.7%.

In Cardiff footfall decreased 0.4% in November, an improvement on the 6.5% fall in October. A fall of 0.4% was also reported in London and Nottingham. The only UK cities in the UK to experienced a rise were Manchester (0.1%), Birmingham (2.5%), Leeds (3.1%) and Edinburgh (5.7%).

Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:“Welsh footfall stagnated in November, with a continued decline in shopper numbers albeit at a lower rate that the preceding month. Shopper numbers remain well down on pre-pandemic with scant sign pre-Christmas trading has taken off.

"After months of lacklustre sales, and subdued footfall, retailers will be hopeful for strong December trading to end the golden quarter on a high, helping weather rising costs and to tide them over the traditionally leaner months early in the new year.”

“With another disappointing month, retailers will have an eye on the forthcoming Welsh budget which will be critical to their business operation success, or otherwise, in 2024.

“To enable them to continue working hard to keep down prices for customers, the Welsh government can assist by blunting any uplift in the business rate which would otherwise add £18m to the bills of Welsh retailers. With the recent statement by the Economy Minister (Vaughan Gething) on his priorities for a stronger economy, it is vital that retail sits front and centre of these plans given the lynchpin role it plays many of our communities. Both the budget and the economic mission provide opportunity, but it will be an opportunity lost if retail fails to get the recognition it deserves.”

The search was carried by for the WRC by consultants Sonsormatic Solutions. Retail consultant with the firm, Andy Sumpter said of the UK position: "Despite disruption from Storm Ciaràn earlier in the month, November’s footfall rallied, buoyed by Black Friday trading and retailers offering extended discounts to spark early Christmas spend and secure festive share of wallet.

" Last month, footfall recovered to its highest performance levels since July, however, it’s worth noting that, while welcome, this recent boost to retailers has been driven by price and promotions sensitive shopping behaviours.

"Discounting events have proved a major draw, with footfall on Black Friday rising 52.4% week-on-week for example. We have also seen that improvements in total retail footfall last month were significantly shored up by outlet store visits, as consumers try to make spend go further.

“Undoubtedly, footfall’s recovery in November will allow retailers to look ahead to Christmas trading with more confidence, but the challenge will be not just encouraging ongoing spend into December when disposable incomes remain squeezed, but also ensuring discounting is optimised to protect margin.”