UK footfall rises in November ahead of “pivotal month”

Footfall across all UK retail destinations rose by 1% in the four weeks from 29 October – 25 November 2023, compared to the previous month, boosted by Black Friday as retailers prepare for a “pivotal month of Christmas trading”.

However, footfall remained flat compared to November 2022 with 0% change, according to the latest data from MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index.

Black Friday week largely saved retailers, with a 7.9% week-on-week rise across the week offsetting an average decline of 1.7% in the previous three weeks, as consumers contended with Storm Ciaran and adverse weather at the start of the month.

Other key findings include:

• Footfall declined for the third consecutive month in high streets by 1% (likely attributed to the adverse weather experienced in the first week of November).
• Shopping centre and retail park footfall rose by 4.3% and 2%, respectively.
• Despite a challenging start to November, with the return to school following the half term break and Storm Ciaran causing disruptions across the UK, the rise in footfall from October to November 2023 represents the strongest month-on-month result since 2017.
• The gap from the pre-pandemic footfall level widened to -11.2% in November from -10.8% in October, driven primarily by “a deterioration in high streets and shopping centres” to -12.6% and -17.1%, respectively. However, there was an improvement in retail parks as the gap narrowed to -2.2%.

Across all retail destination types, weekdays outperformed weekends in November, with a 0.9% rise versus a 1.9% drop from 2022; suggesting an increasing number of people are heading into the office and maximising their time by heading out at lunch or after work “to engage in festive celebrations and maybe even some shopping”.

Following the announcement of a drop in inflation to 4.6% in November, GFK’s Consumer Confidence Index rose by six points, reflecting a heightened sense of optimism about future finances among consumers.

That was reflected in a boost in footfall on Black Friday (24 November) itself across all retail destination types from the week before; by 11.8% in high streets, 14.3% in shopping centres and 9.6% in retail parks, accompanied by reports of increased spending across various media outlets.

Jenni Matthews, Marketing & Insights Director OnLocation for Footfall Analytics at MRI Software, said: “The pivotal trading month for retail is upon us and retail destinations should approach this with enthusiasm following the week-on-week uplift in footfall for Black Friday.

“This signals the beginning of the countdown to the big day and, while shoppers are still looking to maximise the savings they make, it’s clear to see that the investment in festive attractions this year is paying off in terms of driving footfall nationwide.

“Despite planned rail strikes and disruption from 1-9 December, many towns and cities are embracing the festive spirit and are expected to introduce free parking on selected days as we edge closer to Christmas day, which will act as a catalyst for high streets in driving footfall. These initiatives extend beyond just financial savings for many, presenting consumers with the opportunity to create memorable experiences.”