In the latest update on footfall trends, it has been revealed that cities have surpassed towns in terms of consumer visits to retail destinations. This shift in consumer behavior is a significant milestone, indicating that people are becoming more comfortable resuming their pre-pandemic activities.
Since the start of the pandemic, footfall in towns has generally been higher than in city centers. Remote working and a preference for local shopping to avoid extensive travel on public transportation were contributing factors to this trend. However, recent data from the Ipsos Retail traffic index (RTI) shows a reversal, with cities experiencing higher footfall than towns.
Although the difference may seem small, with cities outperforming towns by just 0.1% points, it symbolizes a positive shift in consumer confidence. The return of key visitors, such as tourists and office workers, has contributed to the boost in city footfall. People are gradually regaining trust in in-person shopping experiences and are willing to venture further from their local areas.
On a week-on-week basis, both city and town footfall saw increases, with cities experiencing a 3.3% rise compared to a slightly smaller 2.9% increase for towns. This shows that consumer footfall is steadily increasing across the board. Different types of retail destinations also saw varying performance. High streets, for example, saw a 2.9% increase compared to the previous week, while retail parks experienced a 2.7% increase. Shopping centers, however, faced a 20.9% decrease compared to 2019.
Looking at regional performance, London & South East emerged as the best-performing region, with store visits down 17.4% compared to 2019. It is important to note that footfall numbers across all regions still remain below pre-pandemic levels. However, the trend of cities outperforming towns in terms of footfall is an encouraging sign. It signifies that consumers are gradually returning to their pre-pandemic routines and feeling more optimistic about engaging in in-person shopping experiences.
Businesses must continue to adapt and stay vigilant in monitoring footfall trends. This data is crucial in understanding and responding to shifts in consumer preferences and habits. By analyzing footfall patterns, businesses can adjust their strategies accordingly and ensure they are meeting the changing needs of their customers.
(Link 1: Ipsos Retail Traffic Index (RTI) – Provides more information on the latest footfall trends and consumer behavior in retail destinations.)
(Link 2: Retail Gazette – Offers additional insights and analysis on the recent trends in footfall across different retail destinations.)
