Footfall on peak shopping day rises as shoppers enjoy ‘last splurge’ ahead of Christmas

Footfall across the UK surged 28.5% on Monday, December 23, the peak shopping day ahead of Christmas, across all retail destinations – led by a 45.5% boost in shopping centre footfall, as well as a 31.1% jump in retail parks.

Footfall across UK high streets also saw “strong” week-on-week growth, which was up 18.8%, according to MRI Software.

MRI said the spike reflects the “attraction of the vast leisure and retail options available to consumers” as shoppers seek last minute gifts and groceries as well as activities to keep the family entertained.

This comes as retailers were anticipated to be holding out hope in the ongoing momentum of the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas, with the big grocers predicting December 23 to be their busiest day of the year.

Despite the rise across destinations, high street footfall remained 5.3% lower year on year, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on families.

MRI said this was also evident in what it called “modest” year-on-year rises, recorded in both shopping centres and retail parks of 1.4% and 4.9% respectively.

MRI Software marketing and insights director Jenni Matthews said: “While many are taking to the shops ahead of Christmas Day, this may well be the last splurge before a big spending freeze sets in in the new year for consumers, meaning that retailers should be taking heed of these trends to plan accordingly for a challenging start to 2025.

“These consumer sentiments are also echoed in MRI Software’s recent Consumer Pulse report (in partnership with Retail Economics) where 51% of shopping stated they were concerned about the rising cost of living over the next six months, driven primarily by higher energy and housing costs during the winter period.”