Retail footfall in the UK slumped during the so-called Golden Quarter, capping a “disappointing year” for the bricks-and-mortar stores, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Total footfall was down 2.2% in the five weeks between 24 November and 28 December, following a 4.5% drop in November, the BRC said on Friday.
The later timing of Black Friday meant that the discount shopping holiday fell into December’s figures, rather than November’s – having a big negative impact on November but improving the December data.
Looking at the quarterly figures – which smoothes out month-to-month volatility – total UK footfall was down 2.5% year-on-year over the final three months of the year, dragging footfall down 2.2% for 2024 as a whole.
“A drab December which saw fewer shoppers in all locations, capped a disappointing year for UK retail footfall. This means 2024 is the second year in a row where footfall has been in decline,” said the BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson.
In December alone, high street footfall was down 2.7% on the previous year and fell 3.3% at shopping centres, while retail parks reported steady figures year-on-year.
“Even the Golden Quarter, typically the peak of shopping activity, provided little relief, with footfall down over the period. While the Black Friday weekend delivered more promising results, they were overshadowed by a lacklustre festive season,” Dickinson said.