Physical retail is proving resilient as more people are visiting retail destinations thanks to the increase in experiential shops and people returning to the office.
According to the latest consumer pulse report by MRI Software and Retail Economics, 88% of the UK population visited a retail destination during October and November 2024. This has increased by 86.1% since May 2024.
The report also shows that 31% of office workers play a “key role” in high street retail, as visits peak during lunch hours.
Popular shopping days for office workers are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 33% of workers choose to visit destinations after 5pm on weekdays.
The under-35s are also increasingly drawn to experiential retail destinations such as dining and leisure.
In November, this demographic averaged 9.5 visits to physical retail destinations. This was double the visits of those over 55.
MRI Software believes the popularity of social commerce is influencing footfall into physical locations and opportunities for in-store experiences.
MRI Software marketing and insights director Jenni Matthews said: “The latest findings depict a retail sector that continues to adapt and remain relevant as consumer behaviours shift.
“With 88% of the UK population visiting retail destinations and under-35s driving experiential trends, it’s clear that physical retail remains a powerful touchpoint for engagement.
“Retailers have an incredible opportunity to leverage these insights—not just to meet consumer expectations, but to exceed them by creating vibrant, immersive destinations that align with changing consumer behaviours.”
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