In the latest comprehensive analysis of retail footfall across the UK, London emerges as a consistent leader in attracting shoppers, according to data from Huq Industries. The capital’s retail environments, from local centres to major hubs, have seen an uptick in both footfall and dwell times, reflecting a resilient retail sector despite varied regional performances.
Daily Footfall by Retail Centre Type
Local Retail Centres
In local retail centres, London reported a modest increase in footfall by 0.6% week on week, coupled with a significant rise in dwell time by 4.3%. This suggests that not only are more people visiting, but they are also spending more time in these areas. Read more about local retail centres.
Major Retail Centres
For major retail centres, London showed a slight week-on-week decrease but a substantial year-on-year increase. The dwell time also increased, indicating longer visits. Read more about major retail centres.
High Streets & Town Centres
High Streets and Town Centres in London also saw a significant year-on-year increase in footfall of 5.9%. Read more about High Streets & Town Centres.
Retail Parks
In retail parks, London reported the highest average footfall, although the South East recorded the longest average visit at 82 minutes. Read more about Retail Parks.
Shopping Centres
Northern Ireland stood out in shopping centres with a robust 3.1% increase in footfall, contrasting with a minor week-on-week decrease in the South East. Read more about Shopping Centres.
Regional Variations
While London leads, other regions show mixed results. For instance, Yorkshire and the Humber saw a slight increase in footfall by 0.3% week on week, while the North East experienced a decrease by 3.2%. The South East, however, saw an increase in both footfall and dwell time, with footfall up by 0.4% week on week and dwell time increasing by 5.5%.
Market Outlook
Based on the current data, London is expected to maintain its lead in the coming weeks, while regions like Wales might struggle to recover their footfall levels. This outlook is crucial for businesses to prepare and adapt their strategies to meet anticipated consumer patterns.
Industry News
Recent expansions and new store openings, such as Waitrose’s £1bn expansion and the debut of new stores by brands like Missoma and Phase Eight, reflect a dynamic retail landscape. These developments are likely to influence footfall and consumer engagement across regions. Read more about Waitrose expansion.
Weather Impact
Weather conditions also play a significant role in retail footfall. For example, the South East experienced a slight increase in temperature and precipitation compared to the previous week, which may have influenced consumer behaviour. Read more about weather impact.
This detailed analysis provides valuable insights for retailers and commercial real-estate companies looking to understand and adapt to the evolving market conditions across different parts of the UK.
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