The festive frenzy failed to materialise for retailers in December, as footfall declined across all shopping locations, including major cities, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium–Sensormatic Footfall Monitor.

December marked the eighth consecutive month of declining footfall, with UK shopper traffic down -2.9% year-on-year, bringing the golden quarter to a muted -2.2% compared to 2024.

High Streets proved the most resilient, with store traffic down -0.9% year-on-year, while Shopping Centres saw visits fall by -5.1% and Retail Parks declined by -2.5%.

Overall, total UK footfall in 2025 fell -0.8% compared with 2024, marking the third consecutive year of annual decline.

“Retail hasn’t necessarily got harder; it’s just become less forgiving – from shifting consumer demand to rising cost-bases across labour and business rate reform. This means retailers must break the cycle where cost-cutting impedes investment in the capabilities and services needed for sustainable growth,” commented Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic.

“Yet, despite the challenges, there are still pockets of demand to be tapped,” Sumpter added. “Shopper traffic rallied outside traditional peak days, showing festive buying patterns are changing. And while UK footfall fell year-on-year, it was the second strongest among G7 markets in December – a sign of resilience in a tough trading climate.”

Commenting on the data, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said it had been a “disappointing December” for retailers.

“In the face of rising bills, many consumers held off for post-Christmas sales, with the week after Christmas the only one to see a significant uplift,” she added. “Shoppers were also browsing less in the lead up to Christmas, making fewer but more targeted shopping trips.”

Those shopping locations which bucked the trend were those which has created a destination offer, combining shopping with eating, drinking and leisure activities, Dickinson noted.

“To encourage a wider improvement in footfall, it’s essential that [the] Government fosters the economic environment needed for retailers to increase investment in their stores and communities,” she concluded.