GITNUXREPORT 2025

Mall Foot Traffic Statistics

U.S. mall foot traffic declined 34% since 2019, digital and experiential retail boost visits.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Mall foot traffic in the U.S. declined by approximately 34% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 2

Foot traffic at shopping malls decreased by 25% during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022

Statistic 3

The daily foot traffic volume in major U.S. malls averaged around 300,000 visitors in 2021

Statistic 4

During holiday seasons, mall foot traffic can increase by up to 50%

Statistic 5

Approximately 70% of mall visitors are repeat visitors

Statistic 6

Malls that integrate experiential retail see 20-30% higher foot traffic than traditional malls

Statistic 7

The average dwell time in malls has decreased from 60 minutes in 2019 to 45 minutes in 2023

Statistic 8

60% of shoppers visit malls primarily for entertainment and dining

Statistic 9

Foot traffic at outlet malls reduced by approximately 20% from 2020 to 2022

Statistic 10

The peak shopping hours in malls are typically between 2 pm and 6 pm

Statistic 11

In 2022, malls with prominent digital advertising saw 15% more foot traffic than those without

Statistic 12

Malls that offer free Wi-Fi see on average 25% higher foot traffic

Statistic 13

Foot traffic in department store anchor locations within malls decreased by 45% during 2021-2023

Statistic 14

In 2023, about 55% of shoppers use mobile devices to navigate mall directories and promotions

Statistic 15

Malls with active social media engagement saw a 20% increase in foot traffic than those without

Statistic 16

Outdoor malls have seen a 15% increase in foot traffic in the last two years compared to enclosed malls

Statistic 17

Malls that host community events experience 30% more foot traffic during the event period

Statistic 18

Nearly 65% of shoppers plan their mall visits within 24 hours prior to visiting

Statistic 19

The number of mall visitors aged 18-24 declined by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 20

The average retail sales per visitor in malls was approximately $38 in 2022

Statistic 21

The use of augmented reality (AR) experiences in malls increased foot traffic by an estimated 12%

Statistic 22

During promotional periods, foot traffic can spike by up to 60%

Statistic 23

The percentage of mall visitors using contactless payments increased to 65% in 2023, from 45% in 2021

Statistic 24

The introduction of loyalty programs led to a 15% increase in repeat visitors to malls

Statistic 25

In 2022, 80% of mall visits involved at least one purchase, indicating high conversion rates

Statistic 26

Over 50% of shoppers report that social distancing measures during 2020-2021 led to decreased mall visits

Statistic 27

The average mall parking duration increased during the pandemic, with many visitors staying longer

Statistic 28

Retailers report a 20% increase in sales from mall visitors who engage with digital coupons during their visit

Statistic 29

In 2023, 45% of mall visitors used mobile apps to access deals, navigation, or store info

Statistic 30

The most effective advertising channels for driving mall foot traffic are social media (40%) and outdoor signage (35%)

Statistic 31

Malls with eco-friendly initiatives experienced a 10% rise in foot traffic, showing consumer preference for sustainability

Statistic 32

The average mall foot traffic on weekends is about 2 times higher than on weekdays

Statistic 33

In 2022, 65% of shoppers preferred shopping during sales events, boosting mall traffic significantly

Statistic 34

The percentage of visitors who spend more than 2 hours in a mall increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 35

Malls that invest in cleaner and greener facilities see a 15% increase in visitor satisfaction and foot traffic

Statistic 36

The percentage of first-time visitors to malls is approximately 40%, indicating fresh interest

Statistic 37

The average number of mall visits per person annually in the U.S. is around 8.5 visits

Statistic 38

Malls located near educational institutions experienced 15% more foot traffic, indicating student engagement

Statistic 39

The introduction of virtual try-on features in malls increased engagement and foot traffic by an estimated 10%

Statistic 40

Approximately 30% of mall visitors are between ages 25-34, making them the largest demographic group

Statistic 41

Malls with strong online-to-offline integration saw a 20% increase in physical store visits

Statistic 42

Foot traffic at malls with pop-up shops increased by 35% during periods of active promotions

Statistic 43

In 2023, about 25% of shoppers used augmented reality apps within malls, indicating rising tech engagement

Statistic 44

Malls located in urban areas saw a 40% higher foot traffic than suburban malls in 2022

Statistic 45

Shopping malls in regions with higher population density experienced 35% greater foot traffic

Statistic 46

The top five states with the highest mall foot traffic in 2022 were California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois

Statistic 47

Malls located near major transportation hubs experienced a 40% increase in foot traffic compared to those not near such hubs

Statistic 48

Malls with updated amenities such as charging stations and lounge areas see a 10-15% increase in foot traffic

Statistic 49

Malls with branded experiences such as pop-up shops or themed events see an average increase of 25% in visitors

Statistic 50

Malls offering in-mall health and wellness services saw a 10-12% rise in foot traffic

Statistic 51

Malls with diverse dining and entertainment options experience 22% higher foot traffic compared to those with limited offerings

Statistic 52

In 2022, the average mall experienced around 4.5 million visitors per month

Statistic 53

The average parking occupancy rate in malls was 75% in 2022, indicating high visitor volume

Statistic 54

Seasonal variations cause a 20-30% fluctuation in mall foot traffic, depending on the time of year

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Key Highlights

  • Mall foot traffic in the U.S. declined by approximately 34% from 2019 to 2022
  • In 2022, the average mall experienced around 4.5 million visitors per month
  • Foot traffic at shopping malls decreased by 25% during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022
  • Malls located in urban areas saw a 40% higher foot traffic than suburban malls in 2022
  • The daily foot traffic volume in major U.S. malls averaged around 300,000 visitors in 2021
  • During holiday seasons, mall foot traffic can increase by up to 50%
  • Approximately 70% of mall visitors are repeat visitors
  • Malls that integrate experiential retail see 20-30% higher foot traffic than traditional malls
  • The average dwell time in malls has decreased from 60 minutes in 2019 to 45 minutes in 2023
  • 60% of shoppers visit malls primarily for entertainment and dining
  • Foot traffic at outlet malls reduced by approximately 20% from 2020 to 2022
  • The peak shopping hours in malls are typically between 2 pm and 6 pm
  • In 2022, malls with prominent digital advertising saw 15% more foot traffic than those without

Despite a steep 34% decline in U.S. mall foot traffic since 2019, innovative features like experiential retail, digital engagement, and eco-friendly initiatives are driving new waves of visitors, revealing a dynamic shift in how Americans shop, dine, and entertain under one roof.

Customer Engagement and Behavior

  • Mall foot traffic in the U.S. declined by approximately 34% from 2019 to 2022
  • Foot traffic at shopping malls decreased by 25% during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022
  • The daily foot traffic volume in major U.S. malls averaged around 300,000 visitors in 2021
  • During holiday seasons, mall foot traffic can increase by up to 50%
  • Approximately 70% of mall visitors are repeat visitors
  • Malls that integrate experiential retail see 20-30% higher foot traffic than traditional malls
  • The average dwell time in malls has decreased from 60 minutes in 2019 to 45 minutes in 2023
  • 60% of shoppers visit malls primarily for entertainment and dining
  • Foot traffic at outlet malls reduced by approximately 20% from 2020 to 2022
  • The peak shopping hours in malls are typically between 2 pm and 6 pm
  • In 2022, malls with prominent digital advertising saw 15% more foot traffic than those without
  • Malls that offer free Wi-Fi see on average 25% higher foot traffic
  • Foot traffic in department store anchor locations within malls decreased by 45% during 2021-2023
  • In 2023, about 55% of shoppers use mobile devices to navigate mall directories and promotions
  • Malls with active social media engagement saw a 20% increase in foot traffic than those without
  • Outdoor malls have seen a 15% increase in foot traffic in the last two years compared to enclosed malls
  • Malls that host community events experience 30% more foot traffic during the event period
  • Nearly 65% of shoppers plan their mall visits within 24 hours prior to visiting
  • The number of mall visitors aged 18-24 declined by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2023
  • The average retail sales per visitor in malls was approximately $38 in 2022
  • The use of augmented reality (AR) experiences in malls increased foot traffic by an estimated 12%
  • During promotional periods, foot traffic can spike by up to 60%
  • The percentage of mall visitors using contactless payments increased to 65% in 2023, from 45% in 2021
  • The introduction of loyalty programs led to a 15% increase in repeat visitors to malls
  • In 2022, 80% of mall visits involved at least one purchase, indicating high conversion rates
  • Over 50% of shoppers report that social distancing measures during 2020-2021 led to decreased mall visits
  • The average mall parking duration increased during the pandemic, with many visitors staying longer
  • Retailers report a 20% increase in sales from mall visitors who engage with digital coupons during their visit
  • In 2023, 45% of mall visitors used mobile apps to access deals, navigation, or store info
  • The most effective advertising channels for driving mall foot traffic are social media (40%) and outdoor signage (35%)
  • Malls with eco-friendly initiatives experienced a 10% rise in foot traffic, showing consumer preference for sustainability
  • The average mall foot traffic on weekends is about 2 times higher than on weekdays
  • In 2022, 65% of shoppers preferred shopping during sales events, boosting mall traffic significantly
  • The percentage of visitors who spend more than 2 hours in a mall increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023
  • Malls that invest in cleaner and greener facilities see a 15% increase in visitor satisfaction and foot traffic
  • The percentage of first-time visitors to malls is approximately 40%, indicating fresh interest
  • The average number of mall visits per person annually in the U.S. is around 8.5 visits
  • Malls located near educational institutions experienced 15% more foot traffic, indicating student engagement
  • The introduction of virtual try-on features in malls increased engagement and foot traffic by an estimated 10%
  • Approximately 30% of mall visitors are between ages 25-34, making them the largest demographic group
  • Malls with strong online-to-offline integration saw a 20% increase in physical store visits
  • Foot traffic at malls with pop-up shops increased by 35% during periods of active promotions
  • In 2023, about 25% of shoppers used augmented reality apps within malls, indicating rising tech engagement

Customer Engagement and Behavior Interpretation

Despite a dramatic 34% decline in U.S. mall foot traffic from 2019 to 2022, innovators leveraging digital engagement, experiential retail, and community events are turning the tide—and perhaps illustrating that while fewer visitors may be walking through the doors, those who do are more engaged and meaningful than ever before.

Mall Location and Regional Trends

  • Malls located in urban areas saw a 40% higher foot traffic than suburban malls in 2022
  • Shopping malls in regions with higher population density experienced 35% greater foot traffic
  • The top five states with the highest mall foot traffic in 2022 were California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois
  • Malls located near major transportation hubs experienced a 40% increase in foot traffic compared to those not near such hubs

Mall Location and Regional Trends Interpretation

While urban density and proximity to transit hubs clearly turn malls into bustling crossroads, it's a stark reminder that when it comes to retail foot traffic, location isn't just an address—it's the entire game.

Mallmerchandising and Experience Offerings

  • Malls with updated amenities such as charging stations and lounge areas see a 10-15% increase in foot traffic
  • Malls with branded experiences such as pop-up shops or themed events see an average increase of 25% in visitors
  • Malls offering in-mall health and wellness services saw a 10-12% rise in foot traffic
  • Malls with diverse dining and entertainment options experience 22% higher foot traffic compared to those with limited offerings

Mallmerchandising and Experience Offerings Interpretation

As malls elevate their amenities from charging stations to themed pop-up experiences, they’re not just upgrading facilities—they’re charging up their foot traffic by as much as 25%, proving that a little innovation and variety are the best ingredients for drawing in the crowds.

Operational Metrics and Seasonal Variations

  • In 2022, the average mall experienced around 4.5 million visitors per month
  • The average parking occupancy rate in malls was 75% in 2022, indicating high visitor volume
  • Seasonal variations cause a 20-30% fluctuation in mall foot traffic, depending on the time of year

Operational Metrics and Seasonal Variations Interpretation

Despite seasonal bumps and steady parking occupancy at around 75%, the 4.5 million monthly visitors in 2022 reveal malls remain bustling hubs—proof that shopping still draws a crowd, even as trends evolve.

Sources & References