This year, Christmas shoppers have flocked to the streets of central London for their gift purchases, with foot traffic in the West End defying the overall national trend.
Data from the New West End Company (NWEC) reveals that in the week prior to Black Friday, which falls on the fourth Friday of November, footfall rose by 9% compared to 2024. During Black Friday week, it increased by 4.1%, followed by a further uptick of 6.2% the week after.
The weekend of December 6 and 7 was particularly bustling, thanks to the pedestrianization of Regent Street and live entertainment on Oxford Street.
The NWEC noted that this period demonstrated “genuine momentum,” contrasting sharply with the larger national scenario where the Office for National Statistics reported a surprising decline in retail sales for November.
Originally celebrated in the United States, Black Friday has been embraced by numerous retailers in the UK.
It has emerged as one of the most significant shopping days annually and marks the unofficial commencement of the holiday shopping season for many.
“This weekend, we anticipate another peak in activity as last-minute shoppers come in for gifts, as well as additional bedding and towels for their guests,” stated Rosie Hanley, brand director at John Lewis.
The NWEC highlighted that the traffic-free event on Regent Street led to a remarkable 33.7% increase in footfall compared to the previous year, while the subsequent live performances on Oxford Street saw a 25.1% rise.
“A combination of on-street festive events coupled with special in-store offers and experiences helped attract large crowds, resulting in a nearly 30% jump in foot traffic throughout the weekend,” a spokesperson explained.
On Oxford Street, one shopper shared with the BBC their planned day out: “We’re starting at John Lewis for coffee, then heading to Selfridges, and perhaps enjoying steak for lunch afterward.”
“We won’t be stopping our chatter, feasting, and shopping at all.”
Others reported that they had completed most of their Christmas shopping earlier in the month.
“Definitely not last minute,” one gentleman remarked.
Another noted he preferred to leave his shopping until the week before Christmas “to immerse himself in the festive spirit,” but assured he would finish everything in a single department store.
