GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Mall Foot Traffic Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Mall Foot Traffic Statistics

  • Foot traffic in US retail has declined nearly 28.4% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In the first quarter of 2019, the average monthly mall foot traffic in the US was around 18.6 million visitors.
  • The US retail mall foot traffic dropped significantly by about 97.6% in April 2020 as compared to the same month in the previous year.
  • In 2019, the busiest shopping day in US malls was the Saturday before Christmas, with more than 34.4 million visitors.
  • Gen Z still prefers to shop at physical malls, with 95% having visited a mall in a three month period in 2018, the most of any demographic.
  • In the UK, footfall decreased by 41.9% in February 2021 year-on-year because of COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Mall traffic dropped 30.8% on Black Friday 2020 in comparison to the previous year.
  • Holiday 2020 traffic to physical stores saw around a 40% decline compared to 2019 holiday season in the USA.
  • A 2020 report found that mall traffic in Southeast Asia dropped up to 90% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • As of 2018, the Dubai Mall was the most visited shopping mall worldwide with over 80 million visitors annually.
  • In 2018, U.S. shopping malls had an average monthly foot traffic of 18.9 million visitors.
  • Mall traffic decreased by 50.3% in February 2021 in the East Midlands, the highest decrease in the UK.
  • Mall foot traffic experienced an increase of 86.3% in March 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 in Australia.
  • American malls saw an 80% decrease in foot traffic in the week March 9-15, 2020 compared to the same week in 2019.
  • The foot traffic to indoor malls was down 34% year-over-year for the week ending August 15, 2021 in the US.
  • Canadian Malls experienced a 35.8% decrease in foot traffic in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Mall foot traffic in December 2020 was down about 45% compared to December 2019.
  • The Dubai Mall experienced a 27% increase in foot traffic during Dubai Shopping Festival 2018, with 21 million visitors.
  • In 2021, Indian mall footfall recovery reached near 60% of pre-Covid-19 levels.

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Navigating the world of retail can often feel like a numbers game, especially when trying to gather and assess key metrics such as mall foot traffic. Understanding mall foot traffic statistics has diverse implications, from marketing strategies to store placement and beyond. This blog post will delve into the complexities of mall foot traffic statistics, its role in determining consumer behavior, and its profound impact on brick-and-mortar retailers. We’ll unravel how to interpret these statistics, its collection methods, and how to effectively apply them towards retail business optimization.

The Latest Mall Foot Traffic Statistics Unveiled

Foot traffic in US retail has declined nearly 28.4% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peering into the world of retail through the lens of 2020’s foot traffic data reveals an unanticipated shift in consumer behavior, underpinned by the 28.4% plummet in U.S. retail foot traffic. The COVID-19 pandemic was the puppet master, pulling the strings on this dramatic turn of events. In an exploration centered on Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, this metric shapes the narrative, vividly illustrating the extent to which the virus disrupted physical retail. It provides a critical gauge to comprehend the scale of change and potentially to forecast and strategize for retail’s reinvention in the post-pandemic era.

In the first quarter of 2019, the average monthly mall foot traffic in the US was around 18.6 million visitors.

Peeling back the layers of the insightful figure, the average monthly mall foot traffic in the U.S. amounted to an impressive 18.6 million visitors in Q1 of 2019, bestowing significant implications for the blog post on Mall Foot Traffic Statistics. The value offers a quantifiable measure of consumer engagement, providing insight into trending shopping patterns, consumer behavior, and the overall health of the retail industry. Moreover, such a statistic could serve as a critical foundation for forecasting future trends, influencing business strategy decisions for both mall operators and retail store owners. Furthermore, it allows us to test the pulse of the brick-and-mortar retail industry in an era defined by digital commerce.

The US retail mall foot traffic dropped significantly by about 97.6% in April 2020 as compared to the same month in the previous year.

Highlighting the precipitous plunge of 97.6% in US retail mall foot traffic in April 2020 when juxtaposed against the corresponding month in 2019, furnishes a graphic representation of the seismic shifts in consumer behavior and the retail landscape brought about by unprecedented external factors. Within the context of a blog post about Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, this dramatic drop underscores the gravity of the challenges faced by mall operators and retailers, while also serving as a reference point in understanding and evaluating trends, future recovery, and the adaptive strategies implemented by the sector. The impact of this stark comparison reverberates throughout the retail ecosystem, influencing everything from store productivity and profitability to commercial lease pricing and wider economic indicators.

In 2019, the busiest shopping day in US malls was the Saturday before Christmas, with more than 34.4 million visitors.

The digits 34.4 million, representing the throng of shoppers that swarmed the US shopping malls on the Saturday preceding Christmas in 2019, punctuates an intriguing narrative about mall foot traffic. As the crescendo of the holiday rush, this record-busting number provides a snapshot of consumer behaviors and purchase patterns in an era marked by the growing shift to online commerce. Alongside other significant footfall figures, it helps marketers and retailers to comprehend when brick-and-mortar stores still reign supreme, aiding them in the strategic design of promotional activities and resource allocation with these peak periods in mind.

Gen Z still prefers to shop at physical malls, with 95% having visited a mall in a three month period in 2018, the most of any demographic.

The 95% figure representing Gen Z’s preference for physical malls presents an intriguing twist in the narrative of a digital-dominated age. It serves as a testament to the resilient appeal of physical shopping experiences among the younger generation, despite the ease and convenience of online shopping. This striking statistic, in a blog post about Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, underscores the surprising resilience and potential of malls in attracting younger customers. It also underlines the importance of revamping and tailoring mall experiences to cater to this demographic, which could be a significant driving force for mall foot traffic.

In the UK, footfall decreased by 41.9% in February 2021 year-on-year because of COVID-19 lockdown.

As we navigate the labyrinth of Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, a stark shift becomes apparent in the UK context where a 41.9% year-on-year footfall decrease was recorded in February 2021, ostensibly due to the COVID-19 lockdown. This plunge not only underscores the profound impact of public health policies on consumer behaviour and business operations, but also compels us to rethink traditional brick-and-mortar retail strategies during unprecedented times. The seismic shift witnessed in mall footfall, highlighted in this statistic, indirectly betrays the accelerating transition towards e-commerce, thereby offering crucial insights to retailers for forecasting future trends, reshaping marketing strategies, and preparing for a post-pandemic retail landscape.

Mall traffic dropped 30.8% on Black Friday 2020 in comparison to the previous year.

The steep 30.8% decrease in mall traffic on Black Friday 2020 compared to the previous year injects a meaningful insight into our examination of overall mall foot traffic trends. This significant drop-off suggests a marked shift in consumer behavior which could be attributed to factors such as the global pandemic, increase in online shopping, or economic flux. Understanding these trends and potential triggers is crucial for businesses, policy-makers, and investors alike – serving to shape strategic decisions, inform business models, and predict future patterns.

Holiday 2020 traffic to physical stores saw around a 40% decline compared to 2019 holiday season in the USA.

Examining the stark reality of a 40% decline in physical store traffic during the pivotal holiday 2020 season, compared to that of 2019, brilliantly punctuates the transformative shifts occurring within the retail landscape in the USA. Such a dramatic descent dovetails significantly in a blog post shaping our understanding of Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, underlining the imperative for malls to further innovate and cushion the blow from the seismic shift towards online shopping. Irrefutably, this statistic adds a layer of complexity to strategies addressing revitalizing mall culture; heralding it as a pulse check on consumer behavior and posing compelling questions about the future of in-person shopping amid a rapidly evolving retail ecosystem.

A 2020 report found that mall traffic in Southeast Asia dropped up to 90% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Painting a vivid picture of the pandemic’s profound impact on mall foot traffic, the staggering statistic of a 90% drop in Southeast Asia mall visits in 2020 serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of physical retail spaces in unexpected, global crises. Weaving this figure into a blog post focused on Mall Foot Traffic Statistics not only provides a crucial, dramatic highlight of the current upheaval in people’s visits to shopping environments, but also presents a critical measure that quantifies the shift towards online shopping. It further underscores the urgent need for malls and retail outlets to adapt swiftly, innovative strategies to stand resilient in the face of such unique challenges.

As of 2018, the Dubai Mall was the most visited shopping mall worldwide with over 80 million visitors annually.

In reflecting on mall foot traffic statistics, the exceptional case of Dubai Mall is a resounding testament to consumer behavior and the impact of innovative retail strategies. As of 2018, this shopping haven dominated the global stage with a staggering 80 million visitors annually, a figure that overshadows many other retail giants. This emphatically underscores the magnetic allure that the Dubai Mall has managed to monumentalize, while simultaneously offering a rich bed of data for professionals delving into foot traffic trends. Essentially, this intriguing statistic stands as an authoritative benchmark in the retail space, stirring discussions around the strength of traditional brick-and-mortar shopping versus online retail, and shaping the future of strategic planning for malls worldwide.

In 2018, U.S. shopping malls had an average monthly foot traffic of 18.9 million visitors.

The statistic touches the pulse of the retail industry specifying that 18.9 million visitors strolled through U.S. shopping malls on a monthly basis in 2018, positioning malls as significant centers of consumer interest. Reflecting the health of the brick-and-mortar retail industry, this number serves as a benchmark to assess shifts in consumer behavior, preferences, and spending power. It aids stakeholders in strategy planning, floor layout optimization and forms the basis for retailers, and marketers to frame personalized customer engagement tactics. Therefore, the vitality of this statistic in a blog post about Mall Foot Traffic Statistics is undeniable.

Mall traffic decreased by 50.3% in February 2021 in the East Midlands, the highest decrease in the UK.

The dramatic plummet of 50.3% in mall traffic in the East Midlands in February 2021 adds a compelling dimension to the narrative of the impact of the pandemic on consumer behaviors in the UK. Serving as the most extreme example across the region, this figure underscores the profound challenges faced by retail environments in maintaining footfall amidst social distancing measures and shifts in shopping habits. By delineating the magnitude of this decrease, the statistic enables a deeper understanding and analysis of the current trends and potential strategies for businesses to navigate through these disruptions.

Mall foot traffic experienced an increase of 86.3% in March 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 in Australia.

Breathing life into numbers once scribbled onto charts, the eye-opening 86.3% spike in Australian mall foot traffic in March 2021, relative to its 2020 counterpart, paints a vivid portrait of retail resilience. In the ever-evolving context of consumer behavior, this statistic shines a spotlight on potential recovery signs amidst a pandemic-stricken retail landscape. Deciphering this percentage uncovers deeper narratives: the effective containment of Covid-19 down under, the return of consumer confidence, and the relevance of in-person retail, as Australians reintegrate the mall experience into their lifestyle. Hence, the significance of this statistic stretches beyond sheer numbers, hinting at a blossoming retail buoyancy.

American malls saw an 80% decrease in foot traffic in the week March 9-15, 2020 compared to the same week in 2019.

The striking plunge of 80% in American malls’ foot traffic during the week of March 9-15, 2020 compared to the identical period in 2019 underscores a dramatic shift in consumers’ shopping behavior. This seismic change encapsulated in a single statistic functions as a bellwether for the comparison and analysis of trends in mall footfall and consumer habits. The statistic equips readers with a clearer, more holistic perspective on the magnitude of the shift in mall usage, additionally shedding light on the economic impact it potentially holds for retailers, stakeholders, and the broader commercial real estate ecosystem.

The foot traffic to indoor malls was down 34% year-over-year for the week ending August 15, 2021 in the US.

Undoubtedly, the 34% decrease in year-over-year foot traffic to indoor malls for the week ending August 15, 2021 encapsulates a dramatic transition in consumer behavior within the US. In the context of a blog post discussing Mall Foot Traffic Statistics, this fraction embodies the persisting impact of factors such as the continued pandemic-driven discomfort, a rise in e-commerce, and changing consumer preferences. This precipitous drop in mall visitors offers pivotal insights for stakeholders ranging from small retailers to large real estate developers, as it suggests potential shifts in business strategy may be critical. Furthermore, the year-over-year comparison underscores a deeper trend that extends beyond temporary flux, permitting a more holistic understanding of the current retail landscape.

Canadian Malls experienced a 35.8% decrease in foot traffic in 2020 compared to 2019.

Waltzing through the grand corridors of data, the 35.8% plunge in Canadian mall foot traffic in 2020 compared to 2019 isn’t just a number; it’s an echo of the seismic shifts created by the pandemic. In a blog post dissecting mall foot traffic statistics, such a stark decline reverberates the urgency to adapt: it underlines the pressure shopping centers face to reimagine their roles, sparks discussion around the accelerated shift to online shopping, and raises a red flag on the economic after-effects. Not just a static statistic, it unfolds a narrative of people’s changing habits, consumer behavior adjustments and the resiliency entrepreneurship needs in the face of drastic economic tremors.

Mall foot traffic in December 2020 was down about 45% compared to December 2019.

Exploring the considerable plunge of approximately 45% in mall foot traffic in December 2020, compared to the same month the previous year, grants significant insights into the impact of evolving consumer behavior and external circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions. This reduction provides substantive implications not only on retail and consumer sectors, but also on economic health in a broader sense. The sharp downturn heightens the importance of businesses adapting to changing conditions, potentially sharpening their focus on e-commerce and online shopping experiences, to engage with customers in new and potentially more sustainable ways.

The Dubai Mall experienced a 27% increase in foot traffic during Dubai Shopping Festival 2018, with 21 million visitors.

Highlighting the rise in footfall at The Dubai Mall during the 2018 Dubai Shopping Festival, by an impressive 27% to 21 million visitors, serves as a striking illustration of the significant impact local events can have on mall traffic. Within the broader context of our discussion on mall foot traffic statistics, this instance provides a compelling case study, showcasing how strategic scheduling and targeted marketing during high-profile events can dramatically boost visitor numbers, thereby amplifying potential retail sales and overall revenue.

In 2021, Indian mall footfall recovery reached near 60% of pre-Covid-19 levels.

Navigating the contours of 2021, a fascinating revelation, as uncovered by our research, underscores the resilience of the Indian retail industry. The recovery of mall footfall, approaching almost 60% of pre-Covid-19 activity, provides an insightful view into consumer behavior, public confidence, and economic rebounds in the post lockdown phase. In our study of mall foot traffic, insights from such impactful statistics help intricately piece together the puzzle of shifting retail landscapes, bolstering our understanding of the interplay between sociological patterns and market phenomenon amid a global health crisis. These figures serve as concrete markers directing the narrative of business resilience, industry survival, and path to revival.

Conclusion

Given the analyzed mall foot traffic statistics, it’s evident that consumer behavior and preferences significantly impact shopping mall traffic. Tendencies towards weekend shopping and peak seasons such as holidays highlight the importance of strategic planning to capitalize on these busy periods. Further, the noticeable influence of malls’ internal factors like store variety, layout, and in-house events, calls for continuous improvement efforts to allure and retain visitors. Managing and understanding these statistics is therefore critical for mall owners and retailers in molding profitable marketing strategies and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

References

0. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

1. – https://www.gulfnews.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.retailgazette.co.uk

4. – https://www.www.timesnownews.com

5. – https://www.chainstoreage.com

6. – https://www.seasia.co

7. – https://www.www.retaildive.com

8. – https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com

9. – https://www.brc.org.uk

10. – https://www.www.marketwatch.com

11. – https://www.www.retailexpress.com.au

12. – https://www.www.icsc.com

13. – https://www.nrf.com

FAQs

What is the average daily foot traffic in a mall?

The average daily foot traffic in a mall can vary significantly based on multiple factors, such as the size, location, and popularity of the mall. For example, a large, popular shopping mall in a densely populated area may see tens of thousands of people daily, whereas a smaller mall in a less populated area may see only a few thousand.

How does foot traffic vary by time of day?

Generally, foot traffic in malls is often lower in the early morning hours and then increases throughout the day, peaking in the afternoon and early evening hours. This can change during holidays or special events when people may adjust their shopping schedules.

How are weekends and weekdays different in terms of mall foot traffic?

Typically, weekends see higher foot traffic in malls compared to weekdays because people have more free time for shopping. Also, schools are typically closed during weekends, leading to more families and youngsters visiting the mall.

How do holidays impact mall foot traffic?

Holidays often lead to a significant increase in foot traffic in malls. This is particularly true for major shopping holidays like Black Friday or Boxing Day, when people are often off work and looking for sales.

How does the weather impact mall foot traffic?

Weather can significantly impact mall foot traffic. On rainy or extremely hot or cold days, people are more likely to visit indoor malls to shop or enjoy recreational activities. On the other hand, foot traffic might decrease on beautifully sunny days when people prefer outdoor activities. It's always important to observe weather trends when studying mall foot traffic.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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