MRI Software: Steady Increase In Retail Footfall Last Week

New footfall data from retail tech experts MRI Software shows a steady increase across all UK retail destinations last week, driven by improved weather, seasonal demand, and the early buzz of summer events.

High streets peaked on Thursday, while retail parks and shopping centres saw their busiest day on Wednesday. Year-on-year comparisons were more striking, with notable increases in the West Midlands, Wales, and Greater London - likely boosted by events like Wimbledon and Oasis’ world tour kickoff in Cardiff.

Cardiff - Thursday 3rd-Sunday 6th July

As Oasis kicked off their long-anticipated reunion world tour in Cardiff, the city experienced a surge in visitor activity as footfall soared in tandem with the soundcheck.

From Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th July, Cardiff recorded a +25.1% increase in footfall year on year, and a +10.6% uplift compared to the previous week. Friday, the opening night of the tour, was clearly the standout night, delivering a +61.9% rise in footfall year on year and +28% week on week. As expected, the momentum built throughout the day peaking at a +90.4% surge during 8pm and 11pm compared to the same period last year. Week on week, this equated to a +40.7% uplift. 

Early data suggests that the Oasis tour is more than just a cultural event, it’s a catalyst for Cardiff. With the band set to visit major cities throughout the summer, retailers, hospitality, and venues hosting the tour should expect to see similar trends, providing a timely boost to footfall and spending during the crucial summer trading period.

Week 27 – SUN-SAT

As temperatures continued to soar, so did footfall in all UK retail destinations with visitor numbers rising steadily in response to improved weather conditions, seasonal demand, and the early momentum of summer events. 

Aside from marginal dips on Tuesday and Friday, retail footfall gained momentum throughout the week in all UK retail destinations with peaks recorded on Thursday in high streets, and Wednesday in retail parks and shopping centres compared to the week before. 

London locations benefited from a surge in footfall compared to the week prior, particularly office dense areas within the capital which could indicate the pull of cultural and social events. Coastal towns witnessed a modest increase however compared to 2024, footfall soared, and this story played out in all town types which may well be reflective of improved weather conditions. 

All geographies experienced modest rises week on week apart from the East of England, the East Midlands and Scotland where marginal declines were recorded. Annual trends, however, painted a different picture as footfall rose significantly, especially in the West Midlands, Wales and Greater London; this could be an indicator of the summer of sport and entertainment kicking off as Oasis start their world tour in Cardiff and Wimbledon begins. 

Retail footfall rose by +1.5% last week in all UK retail destinations compared to the week before. Much of this was driven by a +2.9% rise in retail park activity followed by high streets (+1.3%) and shopping centres (+0.9%). 

Activity dipped marginally on two out of the seven days last week averaging -0.7% in all UK retail destinations however the remainder of the week remained positive as temperatures continued to rise and shoppers sought a mix of outdoor destinations and air-conditioned environments. Footfall peaked on Thursday in high streets (+5.1%) and on Wednesday in retail parks (+6.6%) and shopping centres (+3.7%). 

Greater London and MRI Software’s Central London Back to Office benchmark revealed a +2.7% uplift week on week which was the strongest result out of all of the town types. However, annual trends were much stronger with office dense locations in Central London recording a +10.6% rise in activity and a +7.5% rise in Central London. 

The East of England (-0.1%), East Midlands (-1%) and Scotland (-0.7%) witnessed marginal dips in activity compared to the week before however annual trends were much more promising particularly in Wales (+6.3%) and the West Midlands (+6.4%). 

Overall, footfall remained +3.8% higher compared to last year driven by high street activity which rose by +5% but much of this increase occurred in the West Midlands (+10.7%) and Wales (+10.2%). Retail parks and shopping centres also witnessed rises in retail footfall however levels were much more modest at +3.3% and +1.8%, respectively. With another heatwave on the horizon towards the end of the week, retail leaders should brace themselves for an uplift in footfall as visitors seek out summer essentials and activities. 

Week 27 – MON-SUN

As temperatures continued to soar, so did footfall in all UK retail destinations with retail parks leading the charge. 

Aside from marginal dips on Tuesday and Friday, retail footfall gained momentum throughout the week in all UK retail destinations with peaks recorded on Thursday in high streets, and Wednesday in retail parks and shopping centres compared to the week before. 

London locations benefited from a surge in footfall compared to the week prior, particularly office dense areas within the capital. Coastal towns witnessed a modest increase however compared to 2024, footfall soared, and this story played out in all town types which may well be reflective of improved weather conditions. 

All geographies experienced modest rises week on week apart from the East of England, the East Midlands and Scotland where marginal declines were recorded. Annual trends, however, painted a different picture as footfall rose significantly, especially in the West Midlands, Wales and Greater London; this could be an indicator of the summer of sport and entertainment kicking off as Oasis start their world tour in Cardiff and Wimbledon begins. 

Overall, footfall remained higher compared to last year driven by high street activity in the West Midlands and Wales. Retail parks and shopping centres also witnessed rises in retail footfall however levels were much more modest.

Source : MRI Software

Image : shutterstock / 1137631598 / William Barton 

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