Bira comments after BRC release Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor Report for December
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
ACT parent company Bira has warned that disappointing footfall figures for December show mounting pressures on independent retailers, with concerning implications for 2025 as business costs continue to rise.
The latest BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor report revealed decreases across most retail locations:
- Total UK retail footfall decreased by 2.2% (YoY)
- High Street footfall decreased by 2.7% (YoY)
- Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 3.3% (YoY)
- Retail Park footfall remained flat at 0.0% (YoY)
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "These figures paint a worrying picture of the challenges facing independent retailers. The decline in footfall during the crucial Christmas trading period is particularly concerning, as this is typically when retailers need to generate the revenue that will see them through the quieter months ahead. Looking ahead to 2025, we see little reason for optimism unless the government takes decisive action.
"With retailers facing increases in National Insurance contributions, National Living Wage, and business rates, many independent stores will struggle to maintain viability. We urgently call on the government to reconsider the planned business rates increase for small retailers – this could be the difference between survival and closure for many independents on our high streets."
The challenges currently faced by independent cycling retailers and the bike industry as a whole have also been brought into sharp focus following news of folding bike manufacturer Brompton's sharp decline in profits, falling from £10.7 million to just £4,600 in the year to April 2024. CEO Will Butler-Adams attributed the dramatic fall in profits to lower-than-expected bike sales and delays in cost reductions due to fixed commitments.