‘Panic Weekend’ sees UK high street footfall jump 11.5%

Annual UK high street footfall rose 11.5% last week, 10-16 December 2023, compared to the same week in 2022, driven by ‘Panic Weekend’ just gone as shoppers continue to gear up for Christmas.

It was the most significant rise observed since the third week of July this year.

Footfall was also up 22.5% in Central London compared to 2022, in a week that was impacted by rail strikes last year.

Though the latest data from retail analysts MRI Software only includes Panic Weekend’s ‘Super Saturday’16 December, and not ‘Stampede Sunday’, 17 December, which will fall in next week’s figures, there was also a significant week-on-week footfall increase in high streets of 7.9%.

Looking at the wider picture, footfall was up 6.5% across all retail destinations week-on-week.

MRI Software is forecasting another busy week ahead for retailers, predicting a 10.8% rise on 2022 levels (between 17-23 December), as well as a 16.9% week-on-week rise.

Footfall rises this week are expected to be driven by retail parks and shopping centres, as consumers head out to make final food shops ahead of Christmas.

Jenni Matthews, Marketing and Insights Director at MRI Software, said: "The week kicked off on a strong note, setting the tone for retail stores and destinations, with three out of seven days witnessing double digit rises. High streets in particular saw significant week-on-week rises in footfall each day, except for Tuesday. This strong performance is likely to be influenced by the many festive markets and events taking place nationwide and is also evident in regional cities outside of London including in the North & Yorkshire and the West Midlands, where there was a double-digit rise in footfall from the week before.

"With no planned rail strikes in the lead up to Christmas Day, unlike last year, many consumers will take the opportunity to head out to retail destinations throughout the course of this week and take part in the many festive events taking place across the country - more so following 20 Decembeer, which is when many schools across the UK are expected to finish for the festive break.

"As the anticipated rise in consumer activity aligns with consumer confidence rising for the second consecutive month, according to GfK, a strong trading week for bricks-and-mortar retail looks promising. This much needed boost will be paramount in closing out the ‘Golden Quarter’ following a challenging year for both the retail sector and consumers."