Black Friday: Latest Retail Footfall Data and Analysis

Retail footfall up until 5pm today revealed an +11.3% uplift across all UK retail destinations compared to Friday last week led by a 14.7% rise in shopping centres, followed by high streets (12.5%) and retail parks (5.2%). Historic towns lead the charge with a 24.1% increase week on week, likely fuelled by festive markets and attractions. 

Yet the cost-of-living squeeze appears to be weighing on overall activity. Retail footfall remains -3.3% lower compared to Black Friday last year with high streets (-4.3%) and shopping centres (-4.4%) leading this decline whereas retail parks noticed a marginal increase of +0.1% increase in visits. However, this is only the beginning of what could be a bumper weekend for retail as Black Friday merges with the final payday for many consumers. 

The week on week trends are encouraging and reinforce Black Friday as the catalyst for the festive shopping period as consumers are likely to make the most of the day combining seeking out the best deals with food and drink. As festive events and attractions get underway, MRI Software’s recent Consumer Pulse survey, in partnership with Retail Economics, revealed that high streets may emerge as the clear winners with 24% of consumers surveyed stating they will visit the high street while 13% will opt for retail parks and 12% will choose major flagship shopping centres.

Source : MRI Software

Image : marcelokimura / 319774082 / shutterstock

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