What's happened
December 2025 saw continued declines in retail footfall across the UK and Scotland, with total visits down 2.9% and 1.5% respectively. Despite record visitor numbers at Glasgow’s out-of-town shopping centres, overall consumer activity remains weak amid economic pressures.
What's behind the headline?
The decline in retail footfall signals a significant shift in consumer confidence and spending habits. Despite record visitor numbers at Glasgow’s out-of-town centres, the overall trend remains negative, indicating that consumers are more selective and price-sensitive. Retailers are facing rising costs across labour and business rates, which limit their ability to invest in growth and innovation. The fact that footfall rallied outside traditional peak days suggests that shoppers are adapting their routines, seeking value and convenience. This pattern will likely accelerate, forcing retailers to innovate or risk further decline. The contrast between record visitor numbers at specific venues and the overall decline underscores a bifurcated market: some retail destinations thrive by offering experiences and new brands, while others suffer from reduced foot traffic. The next few months will determine whether the retail sector can adapt to these changing dynamics or face further contraction.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports that Scotland’s retail footfall fell 1.5% in 2025, with December showing a 1.5% decline in shopping centre visits. Despite record numbers at Glasgow’s Silverburn and Glasgow Fort, overall foot traffic remains weak, reflecting economic pressures and changing shopping habits. The Independent highlights that UK-wide, total footfall decreased by 2.9%, with shopping centres suffering the most at 5.1%. Helen Dickinson of the British Retail Consortium attributes the decline to rising bills and food costs, which have led consumers to delay or target their shopping more precisely. Meanwhile, Sensormatic Solutions notes that shopper traffic has become less forgiving, with demand shifting outside traditional peak days, emphasizing the need for retailers to adapt quickly to changing consumer patterns.
How we got here
Footfall data reflects ongoing shifts in consumer behavior, influenced by rising living costs and economic uncertainty. Despite some record-breaking years for specific venues like Glasgow’s Silverburn and Glasgow Fort, broader trends show a decline in retail visits, marking a third consecutive year of decrease. These figures suggest a challenging retail environment driven by inflation, changing shopping habits, and economic pressures.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Retail Visits Down in the UK and Scotland?
Retail footfall across the UK and Scotland has been declining, with recent data showing drops in shopping visits despite some record-breaking individual venues. This trend raises questions about what’s driving fewer shoppers to stores and what it means for local businesses. Are economic pressures the main factor? How are consumer habits changing? And is there hope for recovery? Below, we explore these questions and more to help you understand the current retail landscape.
More on these topics
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Helen Dickinson OBE is a British accountant and executive, and the current Chief Executive Officer of the British Retail Consortium, a post she has held since January 2013.
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The British Retail Consortium is a trade association in the United Kingdom.