NEWS
Mild October weather leads to a fall in fashion sales F
ashion and footwear sales across the UK fell last month as consumers delayed their Winter purchases due to
the milder Autumn weather. This is according to the British Retail
Consortium (BRC), which has reported that during the four weeks from 29 September to 27 October 2024, non-food UK retail sales witnessed a minor decline of 0.1 per cent YoY. And of that, physical store non-food sales decreased by 1.2 per cent YoY. Helen Dickinson, BRC Chief Exec, said that
after a good start to Autumn, October’s sales growth was “disappointing”. And referring to the Chancellor's recent Budget announcement, Ms Dickinson said: “Retailers must now grapple with over £5bn of new costs, and managing this will hold back investment and growth in the short term, while further squeezing already-low margins and risking inflation.”
However, the BRC did report that overall UK
retail sales experienced a slight year-on-year increase of 0.6 per cent in October. This was less than the most recent three-month 1.3 per cent average growth and 12-month growth of one per cent.
UK footfall dips in October October’s footfall figures showed a marginal decline compared to last year, according to the latest data from the BRC. Covering the four weeks to 26 October 2024, total UK footfall decreased by 1.1 per cent in October year-on- year, compared to +3.3 per cent in September. BRC-Sensormatic figures show that High
street footfall decreased by 3.6 per cent in October and shopping centre footfall decreased by 1.6 per cent. In contrast, retail parks enjoyed a buoyant four weeks – with footfall jumping up by 4.8 per cent year-on-year, down from an
impressive +7.3 per cent in September. Ms Dickinson commented: “Across England,
the northern towns performed best, with Leeds and Liverpool seeing positive footfall last month. Thriving high streets and town centres are not only good for local economies but also form a key part of the social fabric of communities up and down the country.”
The O2 outlet centre welcomes 2 new footwear stores C
larks has returned to Outlet Shopping at The O2 after three years, opening a 3,200sq ft store adjacent to Skechers
and Lids on the outlet’s upper level. The new space – at the iconic London event and leisure venue – stocks a broad range of casual and formal footwear and accessories, including Clarks’ Originals line and kids range, along with its personal shopping and fitting service. Clarks’ return to The O2 underlines the significant role that the outlet plays within central London’s repertoire of retail, leisure, and entertainment destinations, and also demonstrates the team’s approach to securing brands which visitors know and love. The opening of Clarks also coincides with the recent arrival of Soletrader, which has opened
a 1,749sq ft store on the upper level next to Procook and Carvela. Partnering with brands such as Dr Marten, Veja, and Ugg since its inception, Soletrader delivers a varied range of contemporary casual, designer, performance- based, and heritage footwear complementing the outlet’s wider retail offer. Louisa Dalgleish, Leasing Director at Outlet Shopping at The O2, commented: “Clarks have always been a favourite when it comes to footwear. Its unique, family-friendly approach to shopping is something we really admire, and it’s great to have them back at The O2. Coupled with the openings of Soletrader and Bedeck, this will deliver more choice and inspiration for visitors as we continue to drive forward as one of London’s most desirable retail destinations.”
6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
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