Footfall across UK shopping destinations jumped by more than eight per cent during the school half term compared to the previous week.

The figures, from retail traffic counter Springboard, show that footfall was up by nearly 11 per cent in shopping centres, by almost nine per cent across UK High Streets, and by just over four per cent in retail parks.

The numbers are a welcome change for retailers, who saw footfall decrease the week before amidst the country’s political turmoil. Overall footfall was down by just over two per cent in the week commencing 17 October.

“The school half term last week delivered a welcome boost to UK retail destinations, with the largest increase in footfall from the week before since the Easter week in April 2022,” said Diane Wehrle, insights director, Springboard. “Customer activity increased in all three key destination types, however, High Streets and shopping centres performed better than retail parks, both of which benefited from twice the uplift in retail parks."

Wehrle added: “Performance ramped up as the week progressed, with footfall peaking on Thursday and Friday. By Saturday trips had tailed off, and footfall fell marginally below the week before.”

With footfall in coastal and historic towns up by 18 per cent and almost 11 per cent respectively, it's clear that many consumers were visiting shopping destinations for experiential days out.

All major cities across the UK saw footfall up by nearly 13 per cent, while local High Streets saw a modest increase of just under six per cent across market towns and nearly three per cent in Outer London.

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