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The BRC-Sensormatic IQ data figures for December indicate an overall 18.6% fall in footfall compared with December 2019, below the three-month average decline of 16.4%.
Although this fall is steep it is still better than December’s falls in France (-23.5%), Spain (-25.2%), Italy (-37%) and Germany (-51.5%).
The best performer among UK countries remains Northern Ireland, where footfall decline was 10.8% in December.
The worst was Scotland, with a 22.8% decline.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Much of the progress made over the last four months was wiped out in December as surging Omicron cases and new work-from-home advice deterred many from shopping in-store, particularly in towns and city centres.
“As case numbers rose precipitously, many people chose to limit social mixing in the run-up to Christmas and shop less frequently.
“Nevertheless, while UK footfall saw a moderate decline compared to previous months, it remained above levels of other major European economies, as the country avoided some of the more severe restrictions implemented elsewhere.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, added: “With the booster vaccination programme being delivered at pace and some glimmers of hope that the Omicron wave may be plateauing in some regions, retailers will be hoping that consumers’ cautious optimism returns, and with that a new year’s resolve to continue to support local High Streets and bricks-and-mortar stores.”
