Retailers saw an increase in footfall between 14 and 20 December, according to the latest data from MRI software.

Footfall rose by 12.6% and 11.6% last week, Tuesday and Friday, across all retail destinations, driven by shoppers preparing for the run-up to Christmas.

Retail parks and shopping centres saw their footfall increase by 7.3% and 5.4%, respectively. However, high street retail footfall fell by 2% on a weekly basis and 2.1% year-over-year because of heavy rainfall across some parts of the UK.

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According to the data, Saturday provided a boost for high-street retailers, with footfall increasing by 5.6% year-over-year, due to festive markets and events.

Overall retail footfall was below last year’s levels, decreasing at retail parks and shopping centres by 2.7% and 4.5%, respectively.

Jenni Matthews, data analyst at MRI Software said: “As the final trading days before Christmas unfold, retailers can expect a sharp uplift in activity. With shopper momentum clearly gathering, this last push will be crucial in determining how positively the retail sector closes out the year.”

It comes as some UK retailers saw a muted performance on Super Saturday (20 December) this year, with in-store visits falling 6.9% year-on-year as shoppers delayed spending and held out for late promotions, according to new data from Sensormatic Solutions.

ShopperTrak Analytics figures show that footfall on Saturday 20 December 2025 failed to match 2024 levels, underlining the ongoing caution shaping this year’s festive trading period. High streets proved the most resilient location type, posting a smaller decline of 3.7% compared with the same day last year.