MRI OnLocation for Footfall Analytics – Scottish retail footfall holds steady in August as high streets lead growth

Scottish retail saw steady growth in August, with footfall up +0.2% year-on-year and +2.2% month-on-month. High streets (+2.1%), retail parks (+3.2%), and shopping centres (+2.6%) all benefited from back-to-school shopping and payday weekends. Edinburgh stood out, with Oasis’ tour driving a +13.3% week-on-week surge in city centre visits.

These results highlight the resilience of Scotland’s retail sector, with events and seasonal activity drawing people to high streets and shopping destinations. The challenge now is turning this summer momentum into sustained growth, as retailers prepare for the crucial Golden Quarter.

You can read the full report here.