There’s retail and there’s premium retail.

Despite the temptation of Christmas and January sales, footfall across the capital fell by 1.4% in December and 1.7% at the start of the January.1 The latter was not helped by the standard sales period drop off mid month.

However, when it comes to premium retail in London, the spending crunch is barely making a dent.

With January footfall at Westfield London showing a 21.6% year on year increase, and 4.6% increase at Westfield Stratford City2, there is clearly a positive story – and opportunity – for premium retail and luxury brands. With over 350 shops, eateries and entertainment venues, plus 3,000 more homes launching over the next three years, it’s clear that our Westfield destinations remain the billion pound bookends of London.

Visitor levels at Canary Wharf are at record levels, with 67.2m visitors recorded in 2023 – a 25% year on year increase, exceeding pre-pandemic levels3. Retail sales have exceeded 2019 levels and are the highest ever.

With five shopping malls, 310 retailers, 3,500 residents and 150,000 people living in a one mile radius of One Canada Square4, growth looks set to continue. The combination of residents, office workers and increasing number of international students ensures a consistent flow of footfall, seven days a week.

Our destinations are so much more than retail. They offer optimum premium experiences for brands and consumers alike, whilst playing a key role for the communities around them – providing the goods, alongside local jobs and non-stop entertainment.

Not all footfall is created equal.

 

Sources:

  1. British Retail Consortium report, 2023.
  2. Westfield data, Jan 2024.
  3. TFL data, 2023 vs 2022.
  4. Canary Wharf data, Jan 2024.