MRI Software: High Street Footfall Momentum Continues

MRI Software data shows high streets continue to hold momentum, with footfall up 1% year on year on Monday 30 December. 

With the Christmas–New Year period typically driven by leisure trips (theatre, sport and other outings), retail parks and shopping centres could see further year-on-year gains as footfall builds through the week. And with New Year’s Eve approaching, a broader uplift is expected across all UK retail destinations as shoppers prepare to celebrate.

Jenni Matthews, Retail Analyst, MRI Software, discusses the data below.

Monday, 29th December 2025 - Retail Footfall Data and Analysis

The momentum continued yesterday (Monday 29th December 2025) for high streets as footfall remained 1% higher year on year (Monday 30th December 2024). This is encouraging for towns and cities and indicates shoppers seeking out more than just the Boxing Day sales but also making the most of the festive events and attractions; the leisure aspect which is increasingly becoming integral to retail destinations. 

Activities such as trips to the theatre and sporting events are traditionally popular during the period between Christmas and New Year, and the growing number of leisure offerings – such as cinemas, bowling, crazy golf etc – in retail parks and shopping centres could indicate further year on year growth for these destinations as the week unfolds.

Overall footfall levels remained -1.2% lower, with retail parks driving much of this decline as visits fell by -4.6% meanwhile shopping centres saw a decline of -2.5%. However, with New Year’s Eve approaching, a surge in footfall is anticipated across all UK retail destinations as shoppers prepare for the celebrations.

Source : MRI Software

Image : Smileus / iStock / 624124526

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