Retailers’ Footfall Drops Again—A Holiday Headache
Retailers are treading water after high‑street visits fell further during the festive rush. According to MRI Software, shoppers have been packing their bags less than ever, a blip that adds to the post‑Christmas woes.
Key Numbers That Make Your Head Squeeze
- Boxing Day footfall dipped 9.4% across the UK.
- High‑street visits collapsed 10.2% by mid‑afternoon.
- Shopping centre footfall fell 10.1%, and retail parks dropped 6.8%.
The OnLocation Footfall Index has flagged this downturn, hinting it might stem from the cost‑of‑living grind and the Chancellor’s Budget that has tightly squeezed household budgets.
What the Numbers Mean for Shoppers
Barclays had neatly forecast that shoppers would spend about £236 on discounted spree items this year. But with footfall dropping, many are likely to cram a few more bargains into their pockets, converting savings into takeaway‑order joy.
Marketing Minds Take Note
Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, calls the reduction a “major contrast” in visitor numbers. In her words:
“It’s a clear signal that the foot traffic narrative has changed. Markedic vendors have a tough act to follow if they want to revive stores for next year.”
What Retailers Should Do Next
- Re‑engage social media through playful promos.
- Offer real‑time discounts to draw in foot‑dropping crowds.
- Leverage data analytics to understand which stores remain resilient.
At the end of the day, the holiday barometer remains shaky. Retailers will need to crank up the creative sizzle to coax customers back into brick‑and‑mortar.
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What the Market Is Saying
“This could be reflective of the shift in consumer behaviour influenced by the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis,” one analyst told the PA news agency.
The warning: if the government keeps on tinkering with policies, profits may sway to the hard edge, and the job market could face an abrupt cut‑back.
Footfall Bounces – Christmas Eve 2023 vs 2024
Surprise! Foot traffic on the last day of the year was 18 % higher than the same period last year, a blush of money‑saving resilience at the curbside.
Shopping In The Pre‑Christmas Rush
- Matthews spotted shoppers front‑loading their holiday spend, packing all the cash they could before the big day.
- Many went online from 23 December through Christmas Day, hunting bargains from the comfort of their couches.
- The trend? An almost spooky habit of “pre‑Christmas smashes” over the next holiday lull.
Barclays – Thoughts on After‑Christmas Sales
“Despite the ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures, it’s encouraging that consumers will actively participate in the post‑Christmas sales,” Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said.
Future Shopping: Practical, Sustainable, & Smart
This year, shoppers are leaning toward practicality and sustainability. The shelves will be dominated by bargains on kitchen appliances and second‑hand goods, as people look to save both on wallets and the planet.
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