March delivered a positive boost to retail activity across Scotland, with footfall rising +8.4% month on month across all retail destinations.
That’s according to new March footfall data from retail tech experts MRI Software.
“The increase reflects the influence of key dates in the calendar throughout the month, from Mother’s Day and St Patrick’s Day to the early stages of Easter trading landing much earlier this year, which together likely drove consumers back into physical retail spaces,” said MRI.
“High streets experienced the strongest growth month on month at +12.7%, followed by retail parks (+4.5%) and shopping centres (+3.4%).
“While the month-on-month picture shows growth, the annual comparison remains more mixed, with overall footfall –2.8% lower than March 2025. This reflects the careful balance consumers are striking between spending and managing rising living costs …
“One of the clearest trends throughout March was the continued resilience of retail parks, which recorded the strongest annual growth (+1.5%) among all destination types. Shopping centres also saw a modest annual uplift (+0.7%), while high streets experienced a -6.6% decline …
“These trends align closely with feedback from retailers themselves. MRI Software’s Insights from the Inside highlighted that around 70% reported consumers are increasingly visiting stores with specific purchasing intentions, rather than browsing. Retail parks are benefitting from more purposeful shopping behaviour …
“Although footfall has remained relatively resilient, retailers are already beginning to notice changes in spending patterns. Over half of retailers (52%) reported, via MRI Software’s Insights from the Inside that average transaction values have declined since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, reflecting the wider pressure of rising fuel prices, household bills and wider economic uncertainty.
“As a result, shoppers are likely prioritising value, convenience and necessity, making fewer impulse purchases and focusing more on planned shopping trips …
“With Easter falling earlier in the calendar this year, March effectively marked the starting point for spring trading.
“While footfall trends remain stable, the data shows that events, holidays and social activities continue to drive visits to retail destinations, but shoppers are becoming more intentional as economic pressures persist.
“For retail stores and destinations, the challenge will be in demonstrating value to its shoppers as they become increasingly deliberate with their purchases.
“At the same time, access to timely, granular data is becoming critical, giving retailers a clearer view of performance across their entire portfolio and the visibility needed to track shifting behaviours and respond quickly as economic pressures reshape spending patterns.”