Shopping centres across the UK saw a significant increase in visitors this Black Friday.
- Footfall in shopping centres rose by 12.8% compared to the previous week, according to MRI Software data.
- While shopping centres flourished, high streets also saw an 8.4% increase in footfall week on week.
- Contrarily, retail parks experienced a decline in visitors, falling by 6% compared to the previous week.
- The dip in footfall between 4pm and 5pm was observed as part of the day’s trends, possibly before evening activities.
This Black Friday, shopping centres in the UK became notable hubs of activity, experiencing a considerable 12.8% increase in footfall compared to the preceding week. According to the most recent data provided by MRI Software, this surge in visitor numbers highlights the enduring appeal of shopping centres during major retail events.
In addition to the success of shopping centres, high streets also witnessed a positive shift, with footfall growing by 8.4% week on week. This suggests that traditional high street shopping remains popular among consumers, perhaps driven by the desire for immersive and in-person shopping experiences amidst the day’s discounts and promotions.
However, not all retail locations fared equally well. Retail parks, notably, faced a decline in footfall, with a 6% reduction observed compared to the previous week. This trend indicates a possible shift in consumer preference towards other shopping environments during peak promotional periods such as Black Friday.
Jenni Matthews, the marketing and insights director at MRI Software, noted that footfall saw a slight dip between 4pm and 5pm. She described this as “likely the calm before the storm,” with expectations of heightened evening activity as shoppers returned for late-night shopping or festive gatherings. This insight provides a nuanced understanding of shopping patterns on such pivotal days.
The increase in shopping centre and high street footfall on Black Friday underscores the resilience of these retail formats despite varying consumer trends.
