MRi’s latest footfall report demonstrates Scotland’s retail sector showing clear signs of resilience in December, with footfall rising 4.1% month on month despite a challenging annual comparison. Activity built steadily as the festive period progressed, underlining the continued importance of physical retail during the final month of the Golden Quarter. Momentum peaked in the days leading up to Christmas, with Christmas Eve footfall up 9.5% week on week as shoppers made last-minute purchases.
Performance was driven by a broad mix of destinations, led by shopping centres which recorded a 7.1% uplift compared to November. High streets and retail parks also saw encouraging growth, both increasing 3.1% month on month, pointing to a late but traditional festive rush. The highlight of the period came on Boxing Day, which delivered the strongest performance in a decade, with footfall rising 14.3% year on year across Scottish retail destinations, reinforcing the growing role of post-Christmas experiences alongside traditional sales activity.
Read the full report here.
