According to the latest data from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and Sensormatic IQ, Scottish footfall decreased by 0.3% year-on-year in November. This represents a worsening trend compared to the 0.1% decline recorded in October.

While Black Friday is traditionally a major driver for retail, the specific week of the event saw footfall drop by 4.9%, failing to provide the momentum retailers had hoped for.

Shopping centres saw a marginal increase of 0.1%, remaining flat compared to October. Retail parks experienced a decline of 0.8%, worsening from the previous month.

Edinburgh remained unchanged (0%), while Glasgow city centre struggled with a 1.6% drop in visitors.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “There is little doubt the prolonged phoney war ahead of the Budget has discouraged early Christmas shopping.

“With the Chancellor’s statement now delivered, retailers will hope shoppers will feel emboldened to commit to festive purchases in the final month of the golden trading quarter.

“Nonetheless, those businesses will be looking enviously at their English competitors who received a substantial business rates discount in the Budget – and will hope Scottish Ministers will at least match that discount in their own Budget in early 2026.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, said: “November saw footfall in Scotland dip -0.3% year-on-year, a much softer decline than the UK average and a sign of relative resilience.

“Black Friday week, however, failed to spark momentum, down -4.9%, as early discounting and economic uncertainty kept shoppers cautious. Overall, Shopping Centres managed a marginal +0.1% uplift, while Retail Parks slipped -0.8%.

“Yet the golden quarter isn’t over, and opportunity remains. With four of our predicted Top Five shopping days still ahead, December could deliver the boost retailers need. A last-minute rush may top off the year, turning caution into celebration. With the right mix of value, convenience, and experience, there’s still time to make December count.”