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Low consumer confidence ahead of potential tax hike Budget That kept many shoppers away from retail locations in September, according to the latest data.
the tube goes in LondonHeavy rain in the first half of September and Storm Amy at the end of the month further exacerbated the decline, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said.
BRC-Censormatic data shows total UK viewership fell 1.8% in September from a year earlier, significantly wider than the 0.4% decline recorded in August.
High street footfall fell by 2.5% year on year in September, while visits to retail parks and shopping centers fell by 0.8% and 2% respectively.
Footfall again declined year-on-year in all countries, with the largest decreases in Northern Ireland by 0.5%, England by 1.8%, Scotland by 2.3% and Wales by 2.5%.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson Said: “The ability of retailers to invest in local communities and the high street has been hampered by last year’s Budget which, in addition to the new packaging tax, added £5 billion to employment costs in the industry.
“For retailers to invest in shopping destinations that will lure shoppers back, the cost burden imposed by the government to deter that investment must be lifted.
“The upcoming budget is a great opportunity chancellor To do this, deliver on the Labor manifesto commitment to a meaningful reduction in business rates for the industry and ensure no shop pays more in the process.
Andy Sumpter of Sensormatic said: “The month started with modest growth, driven by back-to-school shopping, but the momentum was quickly interrupted.
“London’s Tube took a hit in the middle of the month and finally Storm Amy brought widespread disruption, affecting shopper activity across the country.
“These events have further exacerbated an already cautious consumer mood, with many still grappling with cost pressures and economic uncertainty.
“Retailers may now be hoping that September’s slowdown was less of a retreat and more of a pause for thought.”