Black Friday saw a significant increase in footfall at shopping centres, marking a notable change from the previous year.
- The footfall on 29 November increased by 12.8% compared to the previous week, according to MRI Software data.
- High streets also enjoyed growth, with an 8.4% rise in visitor numbers compared to the same period last year.
- Despite this, retail parks saw a decline in foot traffic, dropping by 6% week on week.
- Late evening shopping and festive gatherings likely contributed to the surge in footfall.
On Black Friday, shopping centres across the UK reported a significant boost in footfall, with data showing a 12.8% increase compared to the previous week. This rise indicates a shift in consumer behaviour, as more individuals chose to visit shopping centres for their Black Friday deals.
Compared to the same day last year, which fell on 24 November 2023, shopping centre footfall was up by 1.6%. This year’s increase highlights a growing preference for physical shopping experiences during major sales events.
High streets, traditionally a hub for shopping activity, also experienced a notable increase in visitors. The rise of 8.4% week on week demonstrates strong consumer interest in city centre shopping destinations.
In contrast, retail parks did not fare as well, experiencing a 6% decrease in footfall. This suggests that consumers favoured traditional shopping environments over retail parks for their Black Friday shopping.
According to Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, footfall dipped slightly in the late afternoon. However, this was attributed to people preparing for late-night shopping or attending festive events, suggesting a continuation of consumer engagement throughout the day.
The data underscores the dynamic nature of consumer preferences, with physical retail locations, particularly shopping centres, seeing renewed popularity during Black Friday events.
