MRI Software: Steady Retail Footfall In May

• Retail footfall fell marginally by 0.4% in May 2025 compared to last year in all UK retail destinations driven by a 1.1% drop in high street activity. Shopping centres and retail parks bucked the trend with marginal rises of 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively. 

• Month on month, footfall also fell marginally by -0.1% in all UK retail destinations and may have been worser had it not been for the school half term holiday at the end of the month driving an influx of visitors to retail stores and destinations. 

• Weekend footfall fell for the second consecutive month by 1.8% overall compared to 2024 levels. However, weekday footfall in May rose marginally by 0.3% compared to last year which continues to support the changes in consumer behaviour; as the return to office remains strong, it may suggest that people are also visiting retail stores and destinations on the days they go into the office. This is further reinforced by MRI Software’s Central London Back to Office benchmark which recorded a 2.4% uplift in weekday activity. 

Retail footfall across the UK saw a marginal dip of 0.4% in May compared to last year, reflecting a relatively steady month shaped by the continuous shift in consumer behaviours, seasonal holidays, and lingering economic caution. 

The overall decline was led by a 1.1% fall in high street activity which continues to reinforce the impact felt on these destinations when a number of external factors combine. In contrast, shopping centres and retail parks saw footfall increase marginally by 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively; further evidence that consumers are likely more drawn towards the convenience factor of all-in-one destinations that offer more than just retail. 

Compared to the month prior, footfall fell marginally by 0.1%, suggesting relative stability. The school half term at the end of May provided a much-needed uplift, with a 7% week on week rise that likely prevented a more significant drop in monthly figures. Larger shopping centres (over 500,000 sq ft) benefitted greatly, recording an 8.4% increase in footfall from the week prior, and again indicates the attraction of retail destinations that offer leisure, hospitality and retail under one roof. 

May marked the second consecutive monthly fall in weekend footfall, down 1.8% compared to 2024. However, weekday footfall rose slightly by 0.3% year on year; an ongoing trend that reflects the continuing return to the office. MRI Software’s Central London Back to Office benchmark supports this shift, recording a 2.4% uplift in weekday activity. These patterns suggest that those visiting the office may also be integrating retail visits into their workday routines. 

Despite relatively flat footfall figures, sentiment on the ground appears to be much more reserved. Insights from MRI Software’s Insights from the Inside* revealed that 61.2% of retailers reported lower sales during the early May bank holiday compared to last year, with 65.8% expecting softer trading through the half term break. Rising operational costs are beginning to bite, and the knock-on effect is being felt at the till as higher prices are passed onto consumers, adding to the ongoing cost of living pressures. 

With June bringing in a packed calendar of music and sporting events, including Beyoncé’s visit to London and the return of Wimbledon, UK cities are expected to see substantial footfall surges if historical trends are anything to go by. Retail leaders are encouraged to analyse last summer’s trends and ensure they are operationally ready to maximise this opportunity. As consumer habits continue to shift towards retail destinations that offer more than just shopping – a blend of retail with food, entertainment and experience may well remain front of mind for families. With strong performance from larger shopping centres during half term, there’s clear demand for multi-purpose retail destinations. The challenge now is to sustain that momentum from the May half term holiday into June and beyond. 

* A weekly survey of over 700 store managers which provides insights from the shop floor around how external factors and consumer behaviour are impacting both footfall and spending

Source : MRI Software

Image : Yackers1 / iStock / 1356244892

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.