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Retail sales slumped over the bank holiday weekend as Britons shunned the shops to enjoy the fine weather, new research has claimed.

The number of people out shopping over the three-day break was 9.8 per cent lower than that recorded for the previous year, according to research group SPSL.

Figures released by the organisation show that footfall was 9.7 per cent lower yesterday, when compared to the same bank holiday Monday last year. On Saturday and Sunday, footfall was down by a combined 9.8 per cent.

Over the whole holiday period, just 27 per cent of the stores which make up SPSL's retail traffic index recorded year-on-year growth in the number of consumers they attracted into their outlets.

Dr Tim Denison, director of knowledge management at SPSL, said there were a number of possible reasons for the drop in activity on the high street.

"Without doubt, the first good weather for some weeks will have tempted people to be outdoors, making the most of it, [with] many choosing to follow recreational pursuits other than shopping," he explained.

He added that the data indicated that consumer spending may also have reached a "tipping point", which retailers have been keen to avoid. In the wake of five interest rate rises over the past year, industry groups have urged the Bank of England to keep the benchmark rate of interest on hold at 5.75 per cent until the end of 2007 - fearing that affordability pressures on consumers will hit their businesses.

Mr Denison also claimed that the end of the sales season may also have impacted upon bank holiday trading.

SPSL said that the latest figures would not be welcomed by retailers, who saw retail footfall drop below its 2006 level for the first time in six months, in July.

The organisation warned that rising interest rates, taxes and household bills could also impact upon the retail sector in the coming period, with subdued wage increases possibly also having an effect.

However, some retail groups remain upbeat about their prospects.

Tom Nathan, commercial director at London's Brent Cross shopping centre, said that despite a quieter bank holiday, the retail had experienced a relatively good August.

"This weekend has been quieter than we would normally expect at this time of the year, but it's not surprising after such a wet August that when the weather has cleared up people decide to stay outdoors," he told BBC Radio Five Live.