Footfall grew by 0.7% year-on-year, lagging behind the UK average of 3.3%. Edinburgh saw a 2.8% rise, while Glasgow dipped by 1%. Shopping centre visits fell by 2.4%.

SRC director David Lonsdale cautioned that “more browsing by customers doesn’t necessarily mean more buying”, urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to boost consumer confidence in the upcoming Budget.

Mr Lonsdale said: “September saw a steady if unspectacular growth in shopper foot-traffic compared to the previous year.

“Nonetheless, this is a positive trajectory – and for a second successive month – particularly ahead of the so-called Golden Quarter for much of Scotland’s retail industry. Once again Edinburgh was the standout destination, seeing growth for a fourth month in a row. However, footfall to shopping centres dipped to their lowest level since the Spring.”

He continued: “There is a note of caution in that improvements in footfall haven’t always correlated with an increase the value of retail sales. Frustratingly for retailers more browsing by customers doesn’t necessarily mean more buying.

“As such, the hoped for positive knock-on economic impact of an expansion in footfall cannot be taken for granted. Whilst shop prices are falling, recent data shows consumer sentiment has waned and some recent public policy decisions will likely nibble away at disposable incomes, such as the removal of the peak rail fares discount and increase in the minimum unit price of alcohol.

“Enhanced levels of consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery. Hopefully, the Chancellor will use her upcoming Budget to inject some much needed confidence back into the economy and help encourage shoppers to move from window shopping to the real thing in the Golden Quarter of trading.”