Shoppers deterred by stormy weather, retail figures show

The number of people visiting Scotland’s shops “slumped” last month as stormy weather deterred shoppers, according to the latest analysis.

Footfall decreased 2.3% in September year on year (YoY), data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)-Sensormatic monitor shows, down from a fall of 0.4% in August.

Visits to shopping centres decreased by 1.2% in September YoY, down from a 0.8% rise in August, while retail park footfall fell 1.3% last month – which was the same drop seen in August.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, said retailers will be hoping the situation picks up ahead of Christmas.

He said: “Shopper footfall slumped in September with the worst drop since June. Stormy weather and economic uncertainty kept consumers away from Scotland’s high streets, raising concerns for retailers on the cusp of the crucial golden trading quarter.

“The fall was consistent across the country. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow saw falls of more than 2%.

“Shopping centres and retail parks fared a little better, but both saw footfall decline compared to 2024.

“Whilst these figures are disappointing, it’s far too early for retailers to panic. Recent years have seen a pattern of shoppers pulling back in the early autumn with the anticipation of shopping around for the best deals for Christmas.

“However, if things don’t pick up in October there will be more than a few nervous businesses across Scotland’s high streets.”

The data shows footfall in Edinburgh decreased 2.5% YoY in September, while in Glasgow it dropped 2.7%.

The latest figures cover August 31 to October 4 and include the period when Storm Amy swept in on Friday October 3.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, said September “began with a modest uplift, but that momentum was soon disrupted”.

He added: “By the end of the month, Storm Amy brought widespread disruption, impacting shopper activity across the country and delivering the worst week for footfall since June.

“This disruption added to an already cautious consumer mood, with many still navigating cost pressures and economic uncertainty.

“Retailers will now be hoping that September’s slowdown was less a sign of retreat, and more a pause for thought.

“As we move into Q4, the opportunity lies in converting that caution into confidence – especially for those who can deliver value, experience, and convenience in equal measure. While not easy, it is essential.”