MRI Software: Marked Drop In Retail Footfall Last Week

MRI Software has published retail footfall data for last week, noting a marked drop last week, with high streets hit hardest (-4.8%). This signals a stabilisation in consumer activity following the back-to-back impact of Easter and the long weekend.

Retail parks enjoyed a strong start to the week, up +8.6% on Bank Holiday Monday, as shoppers stocked up on groceries and DIY essentials. But from Tuesday onwards, footfall steadily declined across all destination types, with coastal (-3.8%) and market towns (-5%) notably affected as Brits returned to work and school routines.

Compared to 2024, high streets are still lagging (-3.6%), highlighting ongoing shifts in consumer habits amid cost-of-living pressures—though retail parks continue to show resilience with a modest YoY gain (+1.1%).

Week 19 – SUN-SAT

Following a sharp rise in footfall the previous week, UK retail destinations saw an overall decline last week, with high streets seeing the sharpest drop. This is likely a sign of activity stabilising after the Easter period and the Early May Bank Holiday, which fell in close succession this year. 

Despite a strong start on Bank Holiday Monday, particularly for retail parks, which likely benefited from a replenishment of groceries and DIY shopping, footfall declined steadily from Tuesday onwards across all UK retail destinations. 

Coastal and market towns also witnessed a sharp decline week on week which may well be a sign of people returning to schools and offices. However, historic towns witnessed an uplift that could indicate the increase in day trips during the week. 

Retail footfall declined by -3.3% last week from the week before driven by a -4.8% drop in high street activity however this could be a sign of trends normalising following the fluctuations of the Easter period and Early May Day Bank Holiday being in such close proximity. Retail parks and shopping centres also witnessed declines, however they were much less severe at -1.2% and -2.5%, respectively. 

The bank holiday weekend delivered a strong start to the week, especially for retail parks and shopping centres, as footfall rose by an average of +8.6% and 7%, respectively, on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday in comparison to the week before. The remainder of the week saw footfall decline daily indicating that people have fully returned to schools and offices following the Easter break. 

This is also reflected in footfall declining in coastal (-3.8%) and market (-5%) towns week on week. Despite VE Day celebrations taking place across many towns and cities last week, including Central London, it’s clear that local residents may have stayed away from the large crowds. This was indicated by a -7.9% drop in Central London footfall. 

Compared to 2024 levels, retail parks and shopping centres experienced a marginal rise in activity of +1.1% and +0.1%, respectively, however high streets saw a decline of -3.6%. This could be reflective of the ongoing shifts in shopper habits amid cost-of-living pressures. 

Week 19 – MON-SUN

Following a sharp rise in footfall the previous week, UK retail destinations saw an overall decline last week, with high streets seeing the sharpest decline. This is likely a sign of activity stabilising after the Easter period and the Early May Bank Holiday, which fell in close succession this year. 

Despite a strong start on Bank Holiday Monday, particularly for retail parks, which likely benefited from a replenishment of groceries and DIY shopping, footfall declined steadily from Tuesday onwards across all UK retail destinations. 

Coastal and market towns also witnessed a sharp decline week on week which may well be a sign of people returning to schools and offices. However, historic towns witnessed an uplift which may indicate the increase in day trips during the week. 

Compared to 2024 levels, retail parks experienced a marginal rise in activity, however high streets and shopping centres both saw a decline in footfall. This could be reflective of the ongoing shifts in shopper habits amid cost-of-living pressures.

Source : MRI Software

Image : Yackers1 / iStock / 1356244892

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