Ramsey shops discuss storm impact as UK footfall falls 4.7%

A British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic study found UK high street visits down 5.2% year on year in October, a month when Storms Austen and Boelo crossed the island.

Ramsey · RhumsaaTue 10 Nov, 10:141 min read

By Manx Wire Newsroom

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Manx Radio has spoken to Ramsey shop owners about how October’s storms affected trade, as new figures showed footfall across the UK fell last month.

A study by the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic indicated that total UK footfall was down 4.7 per cent year on year in October. High street visits fell 5.2 per cent, Manx Radio reported, a steeper drop than the 3 per cent fall recorded in September.

Storms Austen and Boelo crossed the UK and the island during the month, the broadcaster said.

Manx Radio spoke to the owners of two Ramsey businesses, Tania Dolores Shoes and Accessories and Oma Sustainable Living, about how the weather had affected their trade. The broadcaster also spoke to the owner of Pure Inspiration, who said the shop stayed busy during the week affected by the storms.

The British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic figures cover the UK as a whole. Manx Radio asked whether rising household costs and poor weather are deterring shoppers from the high street.

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