UK retail footfall fell by 2.2per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of decline, according to the latest data from BRC-Sensormatic.
December’s crucial festive period delivered underwhelming results despite a slight improvement compared to November.
Footfall in December was down 2.2 per cent year-on-year, an improvement from November's 4.5 per cent decline, attributed partly to the later timing of Black Friday in 2024. High streets saw a 2.7 per cent drop in December, while shopping centres experienced a more significant decline of 3.3 per cent. Retail parks remained stable, with no year-on-year change, benefiting from their free parking and larger store formats.
Across the UK, all nations experienced footfall declines in December, with Northern Ireland hit hardest, down 5.8 per cent, followed by Wales (-2.6 per cent), England (-2.1 per cent), and Scotland (-1.5 per cent). Over the three months to December—the critical ‘Golden Quarter’—footfall decreased by 2.5 per cent year-on-year.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, described December as a “drab” end to a challenging year for UK retail. “High streets and shopping centres were hit particularly hard throughout the year as people veered towards retail parks,” she said. “The Golden Quarter, typically the peak of shopping activity, provided little relief, with footfall down over the period.”
Dickinson also highlighted the need for structural changes to support the retail sector. “Investment in town centres and high streets is held back by our outdated business rates system, which penalises town and city centres,” she said, calling for government reforms that do not increase rates for any retailer and instead foster investment and growth.
“With retailers facing £7 billion in additional costs this year from increased tax and regulations, the changes to the business rates system must be made in way that supports retail investment and growth in the years ahead,” she noted.
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, echoed the sentiment, noting that December's footfall failed to meet expectations despite some busy trading days. "As footfall limped towards the festive finish line, December's lacklustre performance compounds a disappointing end to 2024, marking the second consecutive year of declining store traffic,” Sumpter said.
“Retailers will now need to look afresh to 2025 and chart a course 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.”
