Black Friday saw a noticeable rise in footfall at shopping centres, according to recent data from MRI Software, with visitors increasing significantly compared to the previous week.
- Shopping centre footfall surged by 12.8% week on week, suggesting a strong consumer interest in in-person shopping experiences.
- Compared to Black Friday 2023, footfall on the recent Black Friday increased by 1.6%, indicating a slight year-on-year growth.
- High streets also benefited, experiencing an 8.4% increase in visitors, reinforcing a trend towards physical shopping destinations.
- However, retail parks did not fare as well, seeing a decline in footfall by 6% week on week, contrasting with the growth in shopping centres and high streets.
Black Friday has once again highlighted the attraction of physical shopping locations, with shopping centres experiencing a notable increase in footfall. According to MRI Software’s data, these centres saw a 12.8% rise in visitor numbers compared to the week before. This suggests that consumers are keen to engage with in-person shopping experiences during major sale events.
When comparing this year’s Black Friday to the previous one, there was a 1.6% increase in footfall. This modest growth indicates that while the allure of online shopping remains strong, physical locations continue to play a crucial role in consumer behaviour during important retail periods.
High streets also saw benefits, recording an 8.4% increase in visitors from the previous week. This growth may reflect a consumer preference for traditional shopping environments, offering a more engaging and interactive shopping experience.
Interestingly, retail parks seemed to diverge from this trend, experiencing a 6% fall in footfall. This could suggest a shift in consumer priorities towards the vibrant atmosphere of high streets and shopping centres, especially on discount-heavy days like Black Friday.
Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, noted a slight dip in footfall during the last hour between 4pm and 5pm on Black Friday, describing it as ‘likely the calm before the storm’. She suggested this pause might precede increased activity later in the evening, as shoppers potentially plan for late-night shopping or social gatherings.
The latest trends highlight a preference for in-person shopping experiences on Black Friday, with significant increases in footfall at shopping centres and high streets.
