Retail Destination
    • FREE Email Newsletters
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
    Twitter
    Retail Destination
    • News
      • Acquisitions
      • Appointments
      • Facilities
      • F&B
      • Footfall
      • Marketing
      • Store opening
      • Store signing
      • Technology
    • Development
      • Construction
      • Investment
      • Leasing
      • Planning
    • Products & Services
    • Sponsored Content
    • Events
      • Sceptre Awards 2024
      • Retail Destination Live 2025
    • Digital Editions Archive
    Twitter
    Retail Destination
    Footfall

    Traditional post-Christmas dip for footfall

    Tracy WestBy Tracy WestJanuary 31, 20243 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

    January’s footfall results have followed the traditional post-Christmas dip with activity in retail destinations declining by -20.1% from December 2023. 

    Historically, this decline in footfall has averaged -22.6% in January from 2009 – which is when MRI Software first started publishing its footfall benchmarks – to 2020, therefore this year’s result is a slight improvement on this. However, it has deteriorated from January 2023 when the month-on-month decline was -18.8%. The drop in footfall was most prominent in shopping centres (-23.3%), closely followed by high streets (-20.4%) and then retail parks (-16.2%) aligning with the natural historical trend for all retail destinations. 

    Annually, footfall fell marginally by -0.8% which is an improvement from the historical trend of footfall declining by an average of -1.3% in January from 2009 to 2020. This modest drop suggests that despite ongoing economic challenges driven by the current inflation rate sitting at 4% as well as the overall cost of living burdens that many households are continuing to face, consumers appear to be navigating these pressures well. More so, households yet to witness a rise in mortgage payments are likely to consider these factors into their expenditure planning for the upcoming year. 

    The delayed return to offices and schools in the first week of January benefitted mainly retail parks where footfall rose by +2% week on week compared with declines in high streets (-0.8%) and shopping centres (-6.5%), likely influenced by the weather and travel disruptions across the UK.

    Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software said: “January was also bookended with severe weather and travel disruptions however this failed to dampen activity within UK’s high streets with only a marginal drop in footfall witnessed during the first week (-0.8%) and a rise of +4.4% in the final week of the month when Storms Isha and Jocelyn caused chaos across parts of the UK. 

    “With much of the weather disruption occurring throughout the weekday period, weekend footfall rebounded by +4.2% year on year across all retail destinations versus a decline of -2.6% during the week. This was driven by a rise in weekend activity during week one (+4.5%) and week four (+0.6%) which followed the storms. The middle of the month (weeks two and three) saw footfall decline by an average of -3.5% during the weekend versus just -2% throughout the week. This may well signal the tightening of purse strings for many if they had been paid the week before Christmas however a rise in footfall during week four coincides with payday for many across the UK. 

    “While the post-Christmas slump is evident in January’s footfall figures, the retail sector and businesses reliant on visitors travelling in by train are set to face challenges in the first half of February due to an unprecedented number of planned rail strikes. However, optimism prevails with half term approaching as this historically tends to deliver a much-needed surge in footfall following the festive period. Furthermore, with Easter break – the second biggest trading period for retail outside of Christmas – also in close proximity this year, it could serve as a benevolent boost for retail in the first quarter of 2024.”

    Previous ArticleFrasers Group commits to Queensgate
    Next Article Real vs Fake success at Liverpool ONE
    Tracy West

    Read Similar Stories

    UK retail footfall rises despite spending squeeze

    May 8, 2025

    Braehead celebrates exceptional year

    February 7, 2025

    Metrocentre races into 2025 with footfall growth

    February 5, 2025
    Latest News

    Crocs to open at Braintree Village

    May 16, 2025

    Slim Chickens opens at Merry Hill

    May 16, 2025

    Two big brands recommit to Meadowhall… and Oliver Bonas joins the centre

    May 14, 2025
    Sponsored Content

    Why Destination Retail is Charging the Way Forward for the UK’s EV Infrastructure

    May 1, 2025

    Powering retail growth: charging ahead towards net zero

    October 1, 2024

    Twin Benefits

    May 30, 2024
    © 2022 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    • Retail Destination Live
    • Sceptre Awards

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “ACCEPT ALL”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsREJECT ALLAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Analytics" category .
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional1 yearThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Necessary" category .
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies in the category "Others".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies in the category "Performance".
    PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    CookieDurationDescription
    _ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
    _gat_gtag_UA_31822138_191 minuteSet by Google to distinguish users.
    _gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    CookieDurationDescription
    OAID1 yearThis cookie is set when an AdsWizz website visitor have opted out the collection of information by AdsWizz service or opted to disable the targeted ads by AdsWizz.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo