According to BRC-Sensormatic data, UK retail footfall fell by 2.9% YoY in December. High street footfall decreased by 0.9% (up from -1.2% in November), retail park footfall decreased by 2.5% (down from -0.4% in November), and shopping centre footfall decreased by 5.1% (down from -1.3% in November).
Footfall decreased YoY across all nations: down 1.5% in Scotland; 1.7% in Northern Ireland; and the largest decrease of 3.1% in both England and Wales.
In all, UK retail footfall in 2025 was down 0.8% YoY.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “It was a disappointing December for retailers as footfall declined across all shopping locations, as well as in the major cities. In the face of rising bills and food costs, many consumers held off for post-Christmas sales, with the week after Christmas the only one to see a significant uplift. Shoppers were also browsing less in the lead-up to Christmas, making fewer, but more targeted shopping trips, particularly in shopping centres, which saw the largest drop in footfall.
“Last month’s figures capped a challenging year, with total shopper traffic down in 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of annual footfall decline, reflecting the continuing evolution in shopping habits and the retail landscape. Those shopping locations which have bucked the trend have done so by creating a complete offering, making themselves a destination for shopping, eating, drinking and leisure activities. To encourage a wider improvement in footfall it’s essential that Government fosters the economic environment needed for retailers to increase investment in their stores and their communities.”
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, comments: “December marked the eighth consecutive month of declining footfall, with UK shopper traffic down 2.9% YoY, bringing the golden quarter to a muted -2.2%.
“Retail hasn’t necessarily got harder – it’s just become less forgiving, from shifting consumer demand to rising cost bases across labour, and business rate reform. This means retailers must break the cycle where cost-cutting impedes investment in the capabilities and services needed for sustainable growth.
“Yet, despite the challenges, there are still pockets of demand to be tapped. Shopper traffic rallied outside traditional peak days, showing festive buying patterns are changing. And while UK footfall fell YoY, it was the second strongest among G7 markets in December – a sign of resilience in a tough trading climate.”
