It seems that, with the majority of the UK experiencing higher energy prices from the beginning of October, retail destinations have finally been hit with the much anticipated drop in footfall. As reported in The Guardian footfall dropped by 0.2% in the week beginning 2 October, with shopping centres and retail parks being most effected.

Whilst sales rose 2.2% in September, this is largely a result of inflation with people buying less items overall. But not all retailers are in the same boat. The BBC has reported that blankets, warm clothes and air fryers are selling well as people prepare for a hard winter.

And it's not just the public preparing for financial difficulties. Sales on toys and other Christmas gifts are already popping up all over town, as retailers fight for a share of what is anticipated to be reduced Christmas spending. 

But (ever trying to be the optimist) with hardship comes innovation and change. Retailers have been announcing their strategies for reducing their energy consumption to both reduce costs and avoid blackouts this winter. The Association of Convenience Stores has set out a list of how various retailers are helping the community through the cost of living crisis (and - the cynic in me - trying to maintain their share of footfall). But whether or not the motivation is purely altruistic, could high streets and shopping centres become community hubs this winter with businesses and consumers pulling together to keep everyone warm and fed?