THE LATEST footfall insights from MRI Software (previously Springboard) show that a surge in consumer activity on Black Friday resulted in a rise in footfall of +3.2% in November from October in Scotland. Despite a challenging start to the month, with the return to school following the half term break and weather disruptions across the UK, this represents the strongest month on month result since 2017.
- Footfall across Scotland’s retail destinations rose by +3.2% from October to November, boosted by Black Friday in the final week of the month.
- Year on year, footfall declined marginally by -0.4% which is an improvement from October when it was -2.3% lower than 2022.
- Footfall rose in all three destination types from the month before; by +2.7% in high streets, by +6% in shopping centres and by +1.5% in retail parks.
- November was saved by a welcome boost in Black Friday footfall in the final week of the month where footfall rose by +10.3% from the week before versus an average decline -1.6% in the preceding three weeks.
- Across all retail destination types, weekdays outperformed weekends with only a marginal decline of -0.2% versus a -3.4% drop during the weekend period from 2022.
- High streets and retail parks strengthened their performance throughout November as footfall rose year on year by +0.7% and +1.5% respectively versus a -4.2% decline in shopping centres.
- The gap from the pre-pandemic footfall level narrowed to -16.9% in November from -19.1% in October driven primarily by an improvement in high streets and retail parks to -18% and -4.5% respectively however this worsened in shopping centres as the gap widened to -26.2%.
Marketing and Insights Director at MRI Software, Jenni Matthews, commented:
“The pivotal trading month for retail is upon us and retail destinations should approach this with enthusiasm following the week-on-week uplift in footfall for Black Friday. This signals the beginning of the countdown to the big day and while shoppers are still looking to maximise the savings they make, it’s clear to see that the investment in festive attractions this year is paying off in terms of driving footfall nationwide.
Despite planned rail strikes and disruption from 1st-9th December many towns and cities are embracing the festive spirit and are expected to introduce free parking on selected days as we edge closer to Christmas day which will act as a catalyst for high streets in driving footfall. These initiatives extend beyond just financial savings for many, presenting consumers with the opportunity to create memorable experiences.”
