Why there is more to railway stations than trains

• Train stations have become retail powerhouses
• Annual retail sales increased by more than £73m across Network Rail’s portfolio last year
• The opportunity for retailers at train stations is clear; high footfall, strong conversions and measurable ROI

With footfall figures rivalling the busiest high streets, shopping centres and retail parks, stations like London Liverpool Street, London Waterloo and Birmingham New Street have become retail powerhouses in their own right.

For retailers and brands, this isn’t just about convenience – it’s about visibility, vibrancy and access to millions of potential customers every week.

How much money is being made at train stations?

In 2024/2025, Network Rail Property achieved record-breaking annual retail sales of £914.7m across its portfolio of 19 managed stations in Great Britain, an increase of 8.7% or £73m compared to 2023/2024. That’s not just growth, it’s proof that station retail works.

Our portfolio attracts a diverse mix of operators – including Oliver Bonas, Popeyes, Gail’s, Oseyo and Holland & Barrett, all of which are thriving across our destinations.

Whether you’re an established retailer or a challenger brand, the opportunity is clear: high footfall, strong conversion and measurable ROI.

How is station retail changing?

We have also seen the continued rise of the pop-up.

For those wanting to test new markets, pop-ups provide flexibility and creativity for businesses, allowing them to launch products and engage directly with consumers without the long-term commitment of a permanent lease.

This is exactly what skincare brand MALIN+GOETZ is about to do in London’s Victoria Station.

The numbers speak for themselves. Across all our managed stations, there are 750 million visits per year, with London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street and Reading in the top five for the biggest retail sales growth across 2024-2025.

Footfall is also rising year on year, which will come as music to the ears of prospective retailers.

And as a property owner, we are proactive and continually evolving our offer.

What do rail shoppers want?

Understanding passengers is central to our retail strategy. We conduct in-depth customer research to uncover what our customers want from their experience at our stations.

On average, passengers spend 19 minutes in our stations, which grants enough time for visitors to engage with retail brands within our stations.

Our retail strategy is powered by data. We use sophisticated digital systems, including our Property Digital Hub, to manage our portfolio of 39,000 properties and 78,000 rental spaces. Innovations like heatmapping and footfall tracking help us understand station usage patterns and identify opportunities for growth. For you as a retailer, this means an unmatched opportunity.

Looking ahead, the ambition is clear: to continue creating spaces that blend travel with lifestyle, where stations become destinations for leisure, retail and casual flexible working. By combining prime locations, cutting-edge data insights and a diverse retail mix, Network Rail Property is redefining what a station can be – not just a gateway, but a thriving urban experience.

Ready to put your brand in front of millions? Let’s talk.