UK retail footfall fell sharply at the end of last year as shoppers delayed spending in anticipation of post-Christmas discounts, capping another difficult year for bricks-and-mortar retailers.
Data from BRC-Sensormatic covering the five weeks from 30 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 shows total UK footfall was down 2.9% year on year in December, a marked deterioration from a 0.8% decline in November.
Over the crucial “golden quarter” – the three months to December – footfall fell 2.2% compared with the same period a year earlier.
The December slowdown dragged full-year performance into negative territory, with total UK footfall in 2025 down 0.8% on 2024. This marked the third consecutive year of annual decline, underlining the structural challenges facing physical retail as consumer habits continue to evolve.
FOOTFALL DOWN ACROSS THE UK
Shopping centres were hit hardest in December, with footfall falling 5.1% year-on-year, compared with a 1.3% decline in November.
Retail parks also saw a sharper fall, down 2.5%, while high streets proved more resilient, with footfall down 0.9%.
The downturn was felt across all parts of the UK. Footfall fell 1.5% in Scotland and 1.7% in Northern Ireland, while England and Wales recorded the steepest declines, both down 3.1% year on year.
DISAPPOINTING DECEMBER
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, 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.”
CHALLENGING YEAR
And she adds: “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.”
BREAK THE CYCLE
Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic, adds: “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 year-on-year, it was the second strongest among G7 markets in December – a sign of resilience in a tough trading climate.”
