Halloween combined with Diwali celebrations and early fireworks events proved a blessing for retailers as the two boosted footfall across all UK destinations for the second consecutive week.
MRI Software data shows that footfall rose by +6.9 per cent last week compared to the week before in all UK retail destinations; high streets drove much of this rise with an +8 per cent rise in footfall recorded, followed closely by shopping centres (+7.9 per cent). Retail parks also witnessed a week on week rise however this was much more modest at +3.3 per cent.
A strong start to the week paved the way for a fruitful half-term for retailers as footfall rose by +16.1 per cent in all UK retail destinations on Sunday, compared to the week prior. Shopping centres and high streets averaged a rise of +12 per cent and +11.7 per cent, respectively, from Sunday to Friday. Retail parks, however, saw a much more modest rise of +4.8 per cent for the same time period.
According to Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, a "spooktacular" half-term week saw a week-on-week boost in footfall across all UK retail destinations for the second consecutive week, highlighting the impact of the school holidays and events on driving visitors and shoppers to retail destinations.
However, for context, it’s worth noting that in the same week last year, footfall had declined during the same period as schools had already reopened nationwide.
Matthews said, “From Sunday to Friday, high streets saw the strongest daily gains compared to the week before with shopping centres following a similar trend. Retail parks also witnessed daily week on week rises however these were much more modest and may be due to half-term events taking place in shopping centres and high streets driving much of the footfall to these destinations.
“All town types experienced substantial rises in footfall both year on year and compared to last week which is an indicator of the shift in the school half-term holidays. Coastal towns experienced the greatest rise suggesting many continued to getaway for what may be the final time this year before Christmas. Despite forecasted tube strikes for the end of the week, which were called off at the eleventh hour, footfall in the capital also remained strong particularly in office dense areas."
Regionally, Wales and Greater London saw strong performance week on week however the East of England saw double digit growth compared to 2023. The trends seen in Wales and Eastern parts of England may also align with the strong trends seen in coastal towns.
Coastal towns were the clear winners last week as footfall rose by +10.5 per cent from the week before but by almost a fifth compared to 2023 highlighting the impact of the school holidays on footfall in towns and cities across the UK. Historic and market towns also witnessed significant year on year rises of +13.1 per cent and +10.5 per cent, respectively. Footfall in Central London remained +7.4 per cent higher week on week and +18.6 per cent higher compared to last year despite the threat of tube strikes which were called off at the last minute.
New research by American Express Shop Small reveals the nation’s top 10 hotspots for independent shops, showcasing the small businesses and the valuable role they plan in their local communities.
American Express partnered with retail experts GlobalData to identify the top high streets for independent shops through ranking factors such as the number of independent outlets, variety of business types, and vibrancy of the high street.
The list also took into consideration the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners (those aged between 18-43) in each location, factoring in how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets. Across the top 10 hotspots, on average over a third (36 per cent) of all business owners are in these age cohorts.
The research identified bustling St Mary’s Street in Stamford, Lincolnshire, as Britain’s top hotspot for independent shops – scoring highly across all the factors and delivering a unique experience for shoppers.
Britain’s top high street hotspots for independent shops:
St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire
Devonshire Street / Division Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire
Gloucester Road, Bristol
Market Street / Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
Stoke Newington Church Street, Hackney, London
High Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Byres Road, Glasgow
The Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk
Beyond their contribution to local communities, the research also revealed how living near a vibrant independent high street can benefit home valuations.
Dan Edelman, general manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said, “Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local economies up and down the country, and it’s pleasing to now see their impact beyond the high street. Through our Shop Small campaign and support of Small Business Saturday we’re proud to be championing and shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant independent businesses who help our local communities thrive.”
The research is released ahead of this year’s Small Business Saturday (Dec 7), of which American Express is founder and principal supporter. Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign. Over the years it has been running, it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, with an impact that lasts all year round.
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, said, “The nation’s 5.5 million small businesses bring incredible value to the UK’s economy, society and communities, and this research underlines the material impact they have in boosting local areas. On Small Business Saturday, and beyond, we are asking the nation to throw their arms around their favourite local small businesses and show them how much they mean to us all and the wider community. Public support is so vital for small businesses, particularly for the next generation of owners.”
Matt Piner, research director at GlobalData, commented on the findings, “Independent shops bring something different to high streets, offering uniqueness and propositions that are finely tuned to the needs of their local communities. As younger generations of shoppers are attracted to their local high streets, so too are shop owners, with a new breed of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs helping to keep them thriving.”
As part of this year’s Shop Small campaign, American Express has pledged £100,000 worth of grants to small businesses. The Champion Small initiative encourages Cardmembers to nominate their favourite independent small business, with 10 set to receive a £10,000 grant. Those who nominate a business will be entered into a prize draw too, with a chance to win one of 50 x £1,000 statement credits.
Retail insolvencies remained flat in the lead up to the Budget, shows a recent report, though experts feel that a wave of distress is expected following the Chancellor’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and National Minimum Wage.
Today’s company insolvency statistics show retail trade insolvencies fell slightly from 2,101 in the 12 months to September 2023, to 2,089 in the 12 months to September 2024, and were flat month-on-month (137 in August 2024 to 138 in September 2024).
Gordon Thomson, restructuring partner at leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, said, “While retail insolvencies were flat in the lead up to the Budget, a wave of distress is expected following the Chancellor’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and National Minimum Wage, due to the vast number of people employed in the industry.
"The current statistics may be the calm before the storm as additional costs put further pressure on retailers’ already-stretched margins, leading to an increased rate of insolvencies in Q1 2025.
“Consumer confidence has been shaky in the lead up to the Budget, and it’s crucial this returns to avoid a disappointing Black Friday and Golden Quarter. Confidence is needed to drive a boost in consumer spending and to the overall UK economy, which saw meagre growth of 0.1% in the last quarter.
“The retail sector is also grappling with increased crime rates, which not only has a devastating impact on margins but also on staff morale. The government’s promises to tackle shoplifting are more important than ever during this festive period, but that alone won’t be enough to revive the sector.
"Retailers will be holding on to see how the next few months perform, but further support is needed to avoid more having to close their doors for good.”
Nearly half of Brits (44%) say they would prefer a G&T to a cup of tea when getting together with friends, according to a new survey by spirits major Bacardi Limited.
The UK consumer survey was conducted as part of the sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report which anticipates the key trends redefining global cocktail culture and the spirits business in 2025.
Cocktail culture in the UK is continuing its growth trajectory with nearly half (48%) of all Gen Z consumers (aged 18-29 years old) surveyed saying they would prefer to celebrate a special moment with a cocktail instead of Champagne.
The same group also has a growing interest in cocktails over beer and wine. In the UK, 35 per cent of Gen Z respondents said that compared to last year they are more likely to drink a cocktail than beer and 29 per cent said the same about wine.
“As a family-owned company that’s been around for over 160 years, Bacardi has a strong track record of identifying trends in what and where people are drinking,” says Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland.
“It’s how we ensure our portfolio of premium spirit brands, including Bacardí rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka and Patrón tequila, are the drinks enjoyed by each new generation of consumers.”
Commenting on the UK’s top 10 cocktails for 2025, Davide Zanardo, head of advocacy for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “The G&T tops our poll for 2025 so perhaps it’s not surprising it’s now rivalling the cup of tea as the country’s national drink. The love that Brits have for Bombay Sapphire has made the iconic blue bottle a feature in bars, stores and homes across the UK.
“In 2025, the tequila trend will be unstoppable with the Margarita shooting up the rankings of the most popular cocktails in the UK, rising eight places from number 13 in 2024 to fifth in 2025. Agave is what everyone in the industry is talking about and that’s reflected in the demand for ultra-premium tequilas like PATRÓN.”
Top 10 UK cocktails for 2025 are:
1. Gin & Tonic
2. Piña Colada
3. Mojito
4. Rum & Coke
5. Margarita
6. Passionfruit / Pornstar Martini
7. Vodka & Lemonade
8. Irish Coffee
9. Daiquiri
10. Gin & Lemonade
Globally, the five macro-trends defined by the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report are:
1: Premium Fans. Fandoms are redefining premium entertainment as they invest in immersive experiences that embrace hospitality add-ons and bespoke travel packages, and next year’s highly anticipated Oasis reunion is only going to fuel this trend. Brands and venues are responding to this demand with offers that include luxury hotels for “gig-tripping” packages and sports bars curating exclusive cocktail experiences. The synergy between fandom and premium spirits at live events is helping to shape the future of entertainment.
2: In-The-Know Imbibing. Cocktail culture is evolving from spectacle to substance, as IYKYK – i.e. If You Know You Know – experiences take centre stage. Mixologists will transform into designers, educators and opinion leaders, using their craft to create a more meaningful connection with every person that walks into their bar. In fact, 61 percent of UK respondents to the Bacardi Consumer Survey are concerned that drinks created by AI will miss the emotional and artistic finesse of bartenders.
3: New Cocktail Frontiers. Digital fatigue and a growing desire for cultural exploration mean people are craving real, multi-sensory engagement—in fact, UK respondents to the Bacardi survey ranked cocktails that provide a multi-sensory experience as a key reason for paying more. This shift is transforming how people enjoy drinks and where they enjoy them. 2025 will see the rise of immersive venues which cater to early evening, sensory-rich cocktail moments.
4: Culinary Connoisseurs. The line between food and drink is blurring as mixologists experiment with kitchen staples like milk, oil, and brine to create a new wave of gastro-inspired drinking experiences. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of bartenders draw inspiration from the culinary arts when creating cocktails, according to the Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey. This trend aligns with consumer interest in savoury and herbaceous flavours, which grew by 20% and 15% respectively in 2024.
5: The Future Spirit. As brands evolve to align with the values of next-gen consumers, 2025 will see a push for inclusivity and a drive for positive change. A strong focus on community building and education will see support for organizations that improve the hospitality landscape. The Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey underscores the industry's motivation for deeper connection with 62% of respondents expressing interest in more professional networking opportunities in 2025.
In-store food sales will see muted year-on-year growth over the festive period, states a new report, claiming that this year, Christmas is set to be a subdued affair for grocers as inflation continues to bite.
According to UK Christmas Grocery Forecast released by consulting firm AlixPartners, in-store sales this Christmas are expected to increase by 2.5 per cent in value terms. However, when adjusted for inflation, this figure becomes a 0.7 per cent decrease.
The forecast, which is based on AlixPartners’ analysis of UK ONS retail sales and consumer confidence data, mirrors findings from the AlixPartners 2025 Global Consumer Outlook, which recently surveyed 2,000 UK consumers on their intended spending for this holiday period. The outlook reveals that only 13 per cent of British consumers are planning to spend more on food this Christmas than last Christmas. 55 per cent intend to spend the same amount as last year, while 21 per cent of British consumers intend to spend less.
Matt Clark, Head of EMEA Retail at AlixPartners, commented, “With the legacy of inflation continuing to bite and consumer confidence holding back spending, this Christmas is set to be a subdued affair for grocers. Last month’s Budget brought difficult news, with many preparing to take a significant financial hit as a result of the National Living Wage and National Insurance Contribution increases. A good ‘Golden Quarter’ has therefore become more important than ever.
“There is some hope on the horizon for the industry. The increase in the National Living Wage should create a small window of optimism for lower-paid customers, during which those consumers will feel more able to spend.
"This is an opportunity that grocers should grab, as it is unlikely to last given likely price increases as costs are passed on. Those businesses that can move fast and decisively may yet be able to retain or grow their share of wallet over the festive period.
“The increased pressures on profits means it is unlikely that we will see a reduction in turnaround or transformation activity as we move into next year. In this vein, agility remains vital, with all businesses needing to be prepared to make tough decisions and to adapt and innovate at pace in the weeks and months ahead.”
Farmers have warned they have "nothing to lose", campaigners have warned, amid fears grow that parts of the farming industry may disrupt food supplies in protest against the Government's inheritance tax policy while ministers are reportedly preparing contingency plans to ensure stores shelves remain stocked.
Industry officials are closely monitoring the escalating tensions and are expected to meet with government representatives this week to assess the potential impact of any action, The Telegraph reported on Sunday (17). This comes ahead of a planned rally on Tuesday (19), where as many as 20,000 farmers are set to converge outside Parliament to protest a 20 per cent tax on inherited agricultural land valued at over £1 million.
Campaign groups cautioned on Sunday that failure to negotiate a resolution could see more radical factions resort to drastic measures, such as blockading ports, airports, and railway lines.
The threat has raised concerns about empty supermarket shelves this winter and risks bringing back memories of disruption last seen at the start of the Covid pandemic, when people stockpiled food at home.
However, Environment Secretary Steve Reed has dismissed the possibility of a policy reversal. Writing in The Telegraph, he urged farmers to “check the facts” and defended the Government’s stance.
In a further attempt to defuse tensions, one minister called for calm, while a Labour MP suggested dissenting farmers had been misled by powerful landowners. With the protest looming and supply chains under threat, the Government faces mounting pressure to address the growing unrest within the farming community.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently attending the G20 summit in Brazil, defended the Government’s Budget, highlighting a record £5 billion investment in farming. Speaking to reporters aboard a flight to Rio de Janeiro, he acknowledged concerns over the controversial inheritance tax but sought to reassure farmers.
“Obviously, there’s an issue around inheritance tax, and I do understand the concern,” Starmer said. “But for a typical case—parents with a farm they want to pass on to one of their children—by the time you account for exemptions on the farm property, spouse-to-spouse transfers, and parent-to-child allowances, there’s £3 million before any inheritance tax applies. That’s why I am absolutely confident the vast majority of farms and farmers will not be affected by this.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has publicly urged its members not to strike, but some farmers are threatening action. Clive Bailye, one of the organisers of Tuesday’s protest, said he would not condone direct action but warned some farmers could take matters into their own hands.
“If they really got their act together, they could block entire train tracks and ports. English farmers are a bit more Queensberry Rules than the French, they don’t want to punish the public. I could see things like ports or airports being disrupted if the Government really does dig in, that is what we are going to see over the winter.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said, “Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers aren’t impacted.”