According to specialist footfall tracker Springboard, Black Friday is expected to experience a more significant surge in footfall compared to the final week of Christmas trading. They forecast a boost of 7.9% in footfall during Black Friday, while the increase during the last week of Christmas trading is expected to be 6.5%. This suggests that consumers are eagerly anticipating the Black Friday sales and are likely to flock to retail destinations on that day.
However, the overall trend for footfall across UK retail destinations during the Christmas season is predicted to decline. Springboard forecasts an average decrease of 17% compared to 2019. The decline is expected to be most pronounced in high streets with a projected drop of 17.7%, followed closely by shopping centres with a projected drop of 17.5%. Despite this decline, retail parks are expected to show resilience with a forecasted increase in footfall of 5.5%.
Interestingly, Springboard highlights that large city centres are expected to see an uptick in footfall over the six-week period. This suggests that consumers are seeking out the traditional Christmas shopping experience found in city centres, which they may have missed last year due to pandemic restrictions. The allure of festive decorations, bustling streets, and diverse retail offerings are likely to draw people to these city hubs.
However, post-Christmas week is predicted to see a significant drop in footfall in high streets and shopping centres. It is estimated that footfall during this period will decrease by around 20%, as consumers find the Boxing Day sales less appealing. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that footfall during this week will still be significantly higher than in 2020 when the UK was under strict lockdown measures.
These predictions from Springboard underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the retail industry. The impact of supply chain issues continues to be felt, adding additional strain to retailers. Despite these challenges, there is still some hope for a boost in footfall during Black Friday and the Christmas period, albeit at lower levels compared to pre-pandemic years.
It is evident that consumer behavior has been profoundly affected by the pandemic, leading to shifts in shopping habits and preferences. Retailers will need to adapt their strategies and offerings to cater to the evolving needs of consumers in order to ensure a successful holiday season.
In conclusion, Springboard’s predictions indicate that Black Friday will experience a stronger increase in footfall compared to the final week of Christmas trading. However, overall footfall during the festive period is expected to be lower compared to 2019, mainly driven by declines in high streets and shopping centres. Retail parks and large city centres are anticipated to fare better in terms of footfall. Although the challenges brought about by the pandemic and supply chain issues persist, retailers can still expect a stronger footfall compared to 2020, signaling some recovery in the industry.
Useful links:
– Retail Gazette
– Retail Week
