GITNUXREPORT 2025

Retail Foot Traffic Statistics

Retail foot traffic declined during COVID-19 but shows gradual recovery in 2023.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Retail foot traffic in the United States declined by approximately 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic's peak in 2020

Statistic 2

In 2022, brick-and-mortar retail store traffic was about 24% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019

Statistic 3

Average retail store foot traffic in the U.S. was around 3.2 visits per store per day in 2023, a slight increase from 3.0 visits in 2022

Statistic 4

Malls in the U.S. experienced a 29% decline in foot traffic during the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, due to online shopping growth

Statistic 5

Retail foot traffic in convenience stores in the U.S. grew by 8% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022, due to increased demand for quick shopping options

Statistic 6

The largest increase in retail foot traffic was observed in beauty and fragrance stores, which saw a 22% rise in visits in Q2 2023 compared to the previous quarter

Statistic 7

Approximately 70% of retail store visits in 2023 were made via mobile devices, indicating a shift towards mobile-driven foot traffic

Statistic 8

Foot traffic in electronics stores decreased by 18% in 2022 compared to 2021, coinciding with supply chain issues and inflation

Statistic 9

In 2022, foot traffic in department stores declined by approximately 23%, as consumers shifted to online retail channels

Statistic 10

The average duration of store visits decreased from 20 minutes in 2019 to 15 minutes in 2023, indicating faster shopping decisions

Statistic 11

The percentage of retail foot traffic attributable to discount stores increased to 42% in 2023 from 36% in 2020, reflecting value-focused shopping trends

Statistic 12

Retail event participation, such as store openings and promotions, increased foot traffic by an average of 18% in 2023, indicating event marketing effectiveness

Statistic 13

In 2023, novelty retail experiences (pop-up shops, experiential stores) saw a 15% increase in foot traffic, suggesting consumer interest in experiential retail

Statistic 14

Foot traffic in pet stores increased by 14% in 2023 compared to 2022, correlating with rising pet ownership and pet-related spending

Statistic 15

Retail foot traffic in bookstores grew by 7% in 2023, supported by increased interest in physical books during the pandemic recovery

Statistic 16

During 2022, foot traffic in health and wellness stores increased by 13%, as consumers prioritized health-related products and services

Statistic 17

Simultaneously, foot traffic in jewelry stores declined by about 9% in 2022, affected by economic uncertainty

Statistic 18

Shopping mall foot traffic tends to be highest during weekends, with estimates showing an 18% increase in visits compared to weekdays in 2023

Statistic 19

In 2023, there was a 10% increase in foot traffic at retail stores located near public transportation hubs, emphasizing accessibility’s role in shopping frequency

Statistic 20

Retail store closures increased by 13% in 2022 compared to 2021, which directly impacted overall foot traffic in affected retail districts

Statistic 21

In 2024, retail foot traffic is projected to grow by 3.5% globally, marking a slow but steady recovery from pandemic lows

Statistic 22

Younger consumers (aged 18-34) accounted for 52% of retail store visits in 2023, indicating generational shifts in shopping behavior

Statistic 23

Retail foot traffic in shopping districts that host experiential retail events rose by 20% in 2023, underscoring the appeal of in-store entertainment

Statistic 24

The average store visit frequency per customer in 2023 was 6 visits per month, down from 8 in 2019, reflecting changes in shopping habits

Statistic 25

Large-scale retail outlets experienced 10% lower foot traffic during extended hours compared to regular hours in 2023, due to consumer safety concerns

Statistic 26

The retail pharmacy sector saw a 17% rise in foot traffic during health crises periods in 2022, driven by increased health concerns

Statistic 27

Retail store renovations and modernization projects led to a 9% increase in foot traffic during the first half of 2023, aiming to improve shopping experience

Statistic 28

Retail employment levels are correlated with foot traffic; for every 1% increase in retail jobs, foot traffic increased by 0.4%, in 2023 data

Statistic 29

The use of augmented reality (AR) in stores increased foot traffic by 8% in 2023, as consumers engaged with immersive shopping experiences

Statistic 30

The average distance traveled by consumers to reach retail stores in urban areas declined by 5% in 2023, due to increased local shopping options

Statistic 31

Retail sales conversion rates are estimated to be approximately 20% higher in stores with high foot traffic, emphasizing store layout and ambiance importance

Statistic 32

The retail sector’s investment in experiential and lifestyle stores increased by 25% in 2023, aimed at boosting foot traffic

Statistic 33

Retail stores with sustainable and eco-friendly practices experienced 12% higher foot traffic in 2023 compared to non-sustainable stores, reflecting consumer preference shifts

Statistic 34

Foot traffic in grocery stores in the U.S. increased by 15% during the holiday season of 2022 compared to 2021, driven by holiday shopping

Statistic 35

U.S. luxury retail stores experienced a 14% increase in foot traffic during the 2023 holiday shopping season compared to 2022, driven by affluent consumer spending

Statistic 36

Foot traffic in apparel stores in the U.S. dropped by 12% in 2022, as casual and online shopping increased

Statistic 37

Foot traffic in furniture stores rose by 11% during Q3 2023 compared to the previous quarter, driven by a housing market rebound

Statistic 38

In urban areas, retail foot traffic decreased by 19% in 2023 compared to 2020, while suburban areas saw a 5% increase, showing shifting shopping patterns

Statistic 39

Foot traffic to apparel retailers increased by 19% during back-to-school shopping in August 2023 compared to 2022, driven by pent-up demand

Statistic 40

Digital channels contributed to a 12% decrease in physical store visits in Europe in 2022, highlighting the shift to online shopping

Statistic 41

Retailers in the U.S. reported a 37% increase in online-to-offline conversion rates in 2023, highlighting the importance of store visits to online shoppers

Statistic 42

In 2023, 60% of retail stores adopted digital signages to attract shopping foot traffic, with an estimated 22% increase in store visits where digital signage was used

Statistic 43

Retail stores that implemented curbside pickup experienced a 25% increase in visits in 2023 compared to stores without the service, highlighting the impact of omnichannel strategies

Statistic 44

Retailers reported a 21% increase in mobile app use for store-specific promotions and coupons in 2023, influencing foot traffic levels

Statistic 45

In 2023, social media marketing campaigns contributed to a 19% boost in physical store visits, demonstrating digital influence on foot traffic

Statistic 46

Shoplifting and theft incidents increased by 26% in retail stores nationwide in 2021 compared to 2020, affecting visitor experience and foot traffic

Statistic 47

Foot traffic at outdoor and specialty stores increased by 10% in spring 2023 compared to winter 2023, reflecting seasonal shopping patterns

Statistic 48

The busiest shopping months in terms of retail foot traffic in the U.S. are November and December, collectively accounting for 35% of annual store visits

Statistic 49

Foot traffic in home improvement stores increased by 16% during home renovation season in Q2 2023, reflecting rising consumer interest in home projects

Statistic 50

During holiday seasons, retail foot traffic increases by an average of 40% compared to non-holiday months, peaking in December

Statistic 51

Despite overall declines, some speciality retail stores like gaming and collectibles experienced a 12% increase in foot traffic in 2023, driven by niche consumer interests

Slide 1 of 51

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Retail foot traffic in the United States declined by approximately 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic's peak in 2020
In 2022, brick-and-mortar retail store traffic was about 24% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019
Shoplifting and theft incidents increased by 26% in retail stores nationwide in 2021 compared to 2020, affecting visitor experience and foot traffic
Average retail store foot traffic in the U.S. was around 3.2 visits per store per day in 2023, a slight increase from 3.0 visits in 2022
Foot traffic in grocery stores in the U.S. increased by 15% during the holiday season of 2022 compared to 2021, driven by holiday shopping
Malls in the U.S. experienced a 29% decline in foot traffic during the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, due to online shopping growth
Digital channels contributed to a 12% decrease in physical store visits in Europe in 2022, highlighting the shift to online shopping
Retail foot traffic in convenience stores in the U.S. grew by 8% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022, due to increased demand for quick shopping options
The largest increase in retail foot traffic was observed in beauty and fragrance stores, which saw a 22% rise in visits in Q2 2023 compared to the previous quarter
Foot traffic at outdoor and specialty stores increased by 10% in spring 2023 compared to winter 2023, reflecting seasonal shopping patterns
Approximately 70% of retail store visits in 2023 were made via mobile devices, indicating a shift towards mobile-driven foot traffic
Foot traffic in electronics stores decreased by 18% in 2022 compared to 2021, coinciding with supply chain issues and inflation
U.S. luxury retail stores experienced a 14% increase in foot traffic during the 2023 holiday shopping season compared to 2022, driven by affluent consumer spending

Despite a turbulent post-pandemic recovery, retail foot traffic in the United States is gradually rebounding through a combination of seasonal spikes, experiential retail, and digital strategies, revealing evolving consumer behaviors and shifting shopping preferences.

Consumer Behavior and Foot Traffic Trends

Retail foot traffic in the United States declined by approximately 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic's peak in 2020
In 2022, brick-and-mortar retail store traffic was about 24% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019
Average retail store foot traffic in the U.S. was around 3.2 visits per store per day in 2023, a slight increase from 3.0 visits in 2022
Malls in the U.S. experienced a 29% decline in foot traffic during the first half of 2023 compared to 2022, due to online shopping growth
Retail foot traffic in convenience stores in the U.S. grew by 8% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022, due to increased demand for quick shopping options
The largest increase in retail foot traffic was observed in beauty and fragrance stores, which saw a 22% rise in visits in Q2 2023 compared to the previous quarter
Approximately 70% of retail store visits in 2023 were made via mobile devices, indicating a shift towards mobile-driven foot traffic
Foot traffic in electronics stores decreased by 18% in 2022 compared to 2021, coinciding with supply chain issues and inflation
In 2022, foot traffic in department stores declined by approximately 23%, as consumers shifted to online retail channels
The average duration of store visits decreased from 20 minutes in 2019 to 15 minutes in 2023, indicating faster shopping decisions
The percentage of retail foot traffic attributable to discount stores increased to 42% in 2023 from 36% in 2020, reflecting value-focused shopping trends
Retail event participation, such as store openings and promotions, increased foot traffic by an average of 18% in 2023, indicating event marketing effectiveness
In 2023, novelty retail experiences (pop-up shops, experiential stores) saw a 15% increase in foot traffic, suggesting consumer interest in experiential retail
Foot traffic in pet stores increased by 14% in 2023 compared to 2022, correlating with rising pet ownership and pet-related spending
Retail foot traffic in bookstores grew by 7% in 2023, supported by increased interest in physical books during the pandemic recovery
During 2022, foot traffic in health and wellness stores increased by 13%, as consumers prioritized health-related products and services
Simultaneously, foot traffic in jewelry stores declined by about 9% in 2022, affected by economic uncertainty
Shopping mall foot traffic tends to be highest during weekends, with estimates showing an 18% increase in visits compared to weekdays in 2023
In 2023, there was a 10% increase in foot traffic at retail stores located near public transportation hubs, emphasizing accessibility’s role in shopping frequency
Retail store closures increased by 13% in 2022 compared to 2021, which directly impacted overall foot traffic in affected retail districts
In 2024, retail foot traffic is projected to grow by 3.5% globally, marking a slow but steady recovery from pandemic lows
Younger consumers (aged 18-34) accounted for 52% of retail store visits in 2023, indicating generational shifts in shopping behavior
Retail foot traffic in shopping districts that host experiential retail events rose by 20% in 2023, underscoring the appeal of in-store entertainment
The average store visit frequency per customer in 2023 was 6 visits per month, down from 8 in 2019, reflecting changes in shopping habits
Large-scale retail outlets experienced 10% lower foot traffic during extended hours compared to regular hours in 2023, due to consumer safety concerns
The retail pharmacy sector saw a 17% rise in foot traffic during health crises periods in 2022, driven by increased health concerns
Retail store renovations and modernization projects led to a 9% increase in foot traffic during the first half of 2023, aiming to improve shopping experience
Retail employment levels are correlated with foot traffic; for every 1% increase in retail jobs, foot traffic increased by 0.4%, in 2023 data
The use of augmented reality (AR) in stores increased foot traffic by 8% in 2023, as consumers engaged with immersive shopping experiences
The average distance traveled by consumers to reach retail stores in urban areas declined by 5% in 2023, due to increased local shopping options
Retail sales conversion rates are estimated to be approximately 20% higher in stores with high foot traffic, emphasizing store layout and ambiance importance
The retail sector’s investment in experiential and lifestyle stores increased by 25% in 2023, aimed at boosting foot traffic
Retail stores with sustainable and eco-friendly practices experienced 12% higher foot traffic in 2023 compared to non-sustainable stores, reflecting consumer preference shifts

Consumer Behavior and Foot Traffic Trends Interpretation

Despite a near halving of retail foot traffic during the pandemic's peak, the steady wear of time and tech leaps have transformed shopping into a brisker, mobile-driven, experience-rich affair, where convenience and innovation now dictate the footpath rather than traditional footfall.

Foot Traffic Trends

Foot traffic in grocery stores in the U.S. increased by 15% during the holiday season of 2022 compared to 2021, driven by holiday shopping
U.S. luxury retail stores experienced a 14% increase in foot traffic during the 2023 holiday shopping season compared to 2022, driven by affluent consumer spending
Foot traffic in apparel stores in the U.S. dropped by 12% in 2022, as casual and online shopping increased
Foot traffic in furniture stores rose by 11% during Q3 2023 compared to the previous quarter, driven by a housing market rebound
In urban areas, retail foot traffic decreased by 19% in 2023 compared to 2020, while suburban areas saw a 5% increase, showing shifting shopping patterns
Foot traffic to apparel retailers increased by 19% during back-to-school shopping in August 2023 compared to 2022, driven by pent-up demand

Foot Traffic Trends Interpretation

Despite shifting retail landscapes and changing consumer habits, the holiday and back-to-school seasons clearly highlight that shoppers are still willing to hit the stores—whether to indulge in luxury, upgrade their homes, or simply seek the thrill of a well-timed sale.

Impact of Digital and Omnichannel Strategies

Digital channels contributed to a 12% decrease in physical store visits in Europe in 2022, highlighting the shift to online shopping
Retailers in the U.S. reported a 37% increase in online-to-offline conversion rates in 2023, highlighting the importance of store visits to online shoppers
In 2023, 60% of retail stores adopted digital signages to attract shopping foot traffic, with an estimated 22% increase in store visits where digital signage was used
Retail stores that implemented curbside pickup experienced a 25% increase in visits in 2023 compared to stores without the service, highlighting the impact of omnichannel strategies
Retailers reported a 21% increase in mobile app use for store-specific promotions and coupons in 2023, influencing foot traffic levels
In 2023, social media marketing campaigns contributed to a 19% boost in physical store visits, demonstrating digital influence on foot traffic

Impact of Digital and Omnichannel Strategies Interpretation

As retail seamlessly intertwines digital and physical realms—with online channels pulling back visits by 12%, digital signage boosting foot traffic by 22%, and social media campaigns increasing store visits by 19%—it’s clear that the key to thriving in 2023 is not just selling products but mastering the art of digital-physical synergy.

Retail Sector Performance and Changes

Shoplifting and theft incidents increased by 26% in retail stores nationwide in 2021 compared to 2020, affecting visitor experience and foot traffic

Retail Sector Performance and Changes Interpretation

The surge in shoplifting and theft incidents by 26% in 2021 not only hits retailers where it hurts financially but also casts a shadow over the shopper experience, possibly turning once lively retail spaces into cautiously monitored battlegrounds for both merchants and customers.

Seasonal and Event-Driven Retail Activity

Foot traffic at outdoor and specialty stores increased by 10% in spring 2023 compared to winter 2023, reflecting seasonal shopping patterns
The busiest shopping months in terms of retail foot traffic in the U.S. are November and December, collectively accounting for 35% of annual store visits
Foot traffic in home improvement stores increased by 16% during home renovation season in Q2 2023, reflecting rising consumer interest in home projects
During holiday seasons, retail foot traffic increases by an average of 40% compared to non-holiday months, peaking in December

Seasonal and Event-Driven Retail Activity Interpretation

While seasonal shopping patterns and holiday cheer certainly boost retail foot traffic, the steady 16% rise in home improvement visits signals consumers are increasingly investing in their nests as much as their wardrobes.

Specialty and Niche Retail Market Dynamics

Despite overall declines, some speciality retail stores like gaming and collectibles experienced a 12% increase in foot traffic in 2023, driven by niche consumer interests

Specialty and Niche Retail Market Dynamics Interpretation

While the retail world has seen foot traffic dip overall, gaming and collectibles stores are bucking the trend with a 12% surge in 2023, proving that when it comes to niche passions, a dedicated few can still walk through the door in droves.