The country saw a 5.5% year-on-year (YoY) decline in footfall during the month, marking a sharp decline compared to September’s figures and slightly underperforming the UK average decrease of 5.7%.

The inclement weather was particularly detrimental for shopping centres, which experienced a 2.7% YoY decrease in footfall. While Edinburgh managed to buck the trend with a marginal 0.5% YoY increase in shoppers, Glasgow faced a steep 8.9% YoY drop, its worst since March 2021.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Scotland was battered by repeated and prolonged storms in October. The widespread use of severe weather alerts affecting large swathes of the country saw Scots advised to avoid travelling on several occasions during the month.

“Unsurprisingly, the appalling conditions and repeated deluges and disruption exerted a heavy toll on shopper footfall, which slumped to its weakest monthly performance of 2023.”

He noted: “All retail destinations were affected albeit Edinburgh eked out a miniscule but positive uplift in foot-traffic compared to the same period the year before. Glasgow recorded its weakest performance since March 2021.

“In footfall terms October was a miserable start to the so-called golden quarter of festive trading. With luck, in many instances it may only lead to a deferment of purchases. Hopefully, the introduction of discounted peak rail fares, falling shop price inflation, and news of a council tax freeze should buoy consumer confidence and store visits.

“With the clock ticking down to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and subsequent Scottish Budget we’d encourage policy makers to pursue further measures to lift consumers spirits and avoid adding any pressures on to household finances.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: “October saw overall footfall decline again year-on-year, off the back of subdued September figures, with shopper traffic regionally impacted by Storm Babet which delivered the most severe and widespread disruptive weather of the year to date.

“The ongoing cost-of-living pressure continues, despite inflationary easing, to impact shopper behaviour through October. Our destination data seems to show that consumers are visiting fewer stores during each trip.

“This suggests a move away from shopping around for the lowest prices and best deals toward more focused purchasing as consumers become more accepting of the current reality of paying more to buy less. With this in mind retailers must capture customer loyalty and spend as early as possible.

“As we head into the critical Christmas purchasing period the focus must be on optimising their online presence or creating engaging experiences that can entice passing trade in-store to be converted into sales.”