Christmas shopping boosts December footfall

December footfall was 6.1% higher than in November, boosted by the final trading week before Christmas, according to the latest MRI Software data.

Shopping centres saw the largest rise in footfall as it increased 11.1% in the same period. Retail parks saw a 5.9% rise month-on-month, while high streets had a 3.7% rise. 

Annual footfall across all UK retail destinations inched up 0.2%, largely driven by high streets with a higher 1.2% increase. Retail park annual footfall slightly increased by 0.1%, while shopping centres declined by 1.9%.

The gap between pre-pandemic footfall narrowed slightly to 10.4% in December from 11.2% in November.

The data also shows central London received the most notable uplift in Boxing Day footfall with a 10.6% increase against a 1.6% rise in 2019.

MRI Software head of marketing and insights Jenni Matthews said: “The month began on a weak note, with footfall declining by an average of 0.8% in the first two weeks across all retail destinations from the week before; however, this was much more noticeable in high streets where footfall dipped by an average of 2.6%. 

“This was likely influenced by rail disruptions and poor weather deterring people from venturing out.

“However, as we approached the pivotal festive trading period, footfall took an optimistic turn with the penultimate Christmas week (w/c December 10) seeing footfall reach 6.5% and then growing to 11.2% in that all-important last week before Christmas (w/c December 17). 

Retail rush

“This final week of Christmas trading was largely driven by activity in retail parks and shopping centres where footfall increased by 17.2% and 16.4%, respectively, from the week before as consumers made that last-minute ‘dash’ for gifts and groceries.

“High streets also witnessed a surge in activity, however, this was much more noticeable in the penultimate trading week where footfall rose by 7.9% from the week before.

“As we look ahead to January, a natural post-Christmas slump is anticipated, with footfall projected to decline in the region of 20% to 25%. 

“Weather warnings and a one-week delay in the return to school for many regions across the UK may lead to subdued footfall at the start of the month.

“However, this should improve as the month progresses, compared with 2023 levels, particularly with more and more employees returning to offices. 

“The financial constraints felt in the latter part of 2023 for many consumers are likely to continue into the early part of 2024, which may also impact footfall in UK retail destinations.”