With footfall falling nationwide, industry leaders urge reforms to boost shopper engagement in 2025. / Credit: 1000 Words via Shutterstock

In 2024, UK retail footfall experienced a 2.2% decline compared to 2023, marking the largest drop since the pandemic in 2021.

This downturn was particularly evident during the Golden Quarter—the three months leading up to December—where footfall decreased by 2.5% year-on-year.

December’s performance across retail sectors

December’s figures showed a 2.2% year-on-year decrease in total UK footfall, an improvement from November’s 4.5% decline.

High streets and shopping centres were notably affected, with footfall decreasing by 2.7% and 3.3% respectively. Retail parks, however, maintained steady footfall, showing no change from the previous year.

Regional disparities and retail challenges

All four nations of the UK experienced declines in footfall, with Northern Ireland facing the steepest drop at 5.8%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, described December as “a drab December which saw fewer shoppers in all locations, capped a disappointing year for UK retail footfall.”

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She noted that this marks the second consecutive year of decline, with high streets and shopping centres particularly hard-hit as consumers gravitate towards retail parks offering free parking and a variety of larger stores.

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, observed that while there were “some flurries of festive footfall around a few key trading days,” overall shopper traffic remained subdued during the critical Golden Quarter.

He emphasised the need for retailers to “adopt innovative strategies to reverse this trend or maximise the sales potential of fewer visitors, finding new ways to make each store visit count.”

The shift in consumer behaviour towards experiential shopping and the appeal of retail parks pose ongoing challenges for traditional high streets and shopping centres.

Addressing these trends will be crucial for retailers aiming to revitalise footfall in the coming year.