Stormy weather saw Scottish shopper footfall slump in September with the worst drop since June, according to Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)-Sensormatic data for the five weeks from 31 August – 4 October 2025.
Scottish footfall decreased by 2.3% in September (YoY), down from -0.4% in August, with Edinburgh footfall dropping 2.5% (YoY), while Glasgow footfall fell by 2.7%.
Shopping centre footfall dropped by 1.2% over the same period, down from 0.8% in August and retail park footfall fell by 1.3%, unchanged from -1.3% in August.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the SRC, said:
“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.”
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented:
“The month began with a modest uplift, but that momentum was soon disrupted. 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.”
MONTHLY TOTAL SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOTFALL (% CHANGE YoY)
