On Black Friday, shopping centers saw a significant increase in foot traffic. Geared towards shopping enthusiasts, November 29 presented a favorable opportunity for retail businesses as data indicated substantial growth.
- Foot traffic in shopping centers rose by 12.8% compared to the previous week, according to MRI Software data.
- Compared to Black Friday last year, there was a 1.6% increase in shopping center visits.
- High streets experienced an 8.4% rise in foot traffic, indicating a strong consumer presence.
- Retail parks, however, saw a decrease in visitor numbers, dropping by 6%.
Shopping centers experienced a significant uptick in visitor numbers on Black Friday, with foot traffic rising by 12.8% week on week. This growth highlights the increased consumer interest in physical shopping spaces during major sales events, according to data from MRI Software.
In comparison to the same sales event last year, shopping centers maintained their popularity, recording a slight increase of 1.6%. This indicates that shopping centers continue to play a vital role in the retail landscape during significant discount periods.
High streets were not far behind in this trend, showing an 8.4% increase in foot traffic compared to the prior week. This reflects consumer enthusiasm for in-person shopping experiences, particularly in bustling street environments.
On the contrary, retail parks did not experience the same fortune, with a 6% decline in the number of visitors week on week. This suggests a shift in consumer preference, focusing more on urban shopping environments during Black Friday.
Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, noted a slight dip in foot traffic between 4 PM and 5 PM, suggesting this was a calm period before a surge in late-night shopping or festive activities.
The data indicates a clear preference for shopping centers and high streets over retail parks during Black Friday.
