Retailers need lower costs and not “warm words”, says BRC ahead of Budget

The British Retail Consortium has called on the government to act in the upcoming Budget, in a fight against waning high street footfall.

The Autumn Budget will be John Healey’s first in office and there are already calls from the BRC’s CEO to ensure retailers across the country don’t just have to listen to what she describes as “warm words.”

Helen Dickinson is keen to see actual action taken by the chancellor which she hopes will result in lower operating costs for retailers which, in turn, will have a positive impact on shoppers.

She explained: “Footfall improved on the previous month, though still down on last year. The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items. Retail parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows high streets face an uphill battle.”

Adding: “Retailers don’t need warm words, they need lower costs. With his first Budget weeks away, Chancellor Healey has a chance to throw Britain’s high streets a lifeline. Retail faces cost pressures and households are watching every penny. Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment, and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.”

The comments were made against the backdrop of updated footfall data from Sensormatic. It showed that total UK footfall decreased by 1.7% in August (YoY), up from -2.1% in July.

Looking at high street footfall specifically, footfall here decreased by 3.1% in August (YoY), up from -3.8% in July.

Retail Park footfall increased by 1.0% in August (YoY), down slightly from 1.2% in July and shopping centre footfall decreased by 0.5% in August (YoY), up from -1.4% in July.

Footfall decreased by 0.1% (YoY) in Scotland, 1.3% in Wales, and by 2.1% in England, and increased by 2.8% in Northern Ireland.