UK retail footfall sharply declined in December 2023, dropping 5% YoY, a significant contrast to November's 0.7% decrease. High street footfall decreased by 4.2%, worsening from November's 1.7% drop. Retail parks and shopping centres also faced sharper declines in December compared to the previous month. Retail parks saw a 4.8% YoY decrease (vs. 1% in November), while shopping centres experienced a significant 7.4% YoY decline (compared to 2.2% in November), according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) - Sensormatic IQ.

The British Retail Consortium who represent the majority of British store groups have called on the government to rethink business rates, which they say put pressure on retail prices, as well as block new investment in our town and city centres in response the treasure have said we have backed our businesses by taking one third of properties out of paying business rates altogether. Despite this move the decline continues as many shoppers now make their purchasing online.