(Sharecast News) - Black Friday footfall is expected to be up sharply on the previous year, according to industry research published on Monday, as hard-pressed shoppers seek out bargains.
Retail consultancy Springboard is forecasting a 12.8% year-on-year improvement in footfall across all UK shopping destinations on 25 November.
Footfall is expected to be 13.2% higher on high streets, ahead 16.3% at shopping centres and up 8.5% in retail parks.
However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels, with footfall forecast to be down 7.8% on Black Friday in 2019.
Springboard said: "Shoppers will be driven to seek out the Black Friday discounts ahead of Christmas this year, over growing concerns around rising inflation rates as well as supply issues, meaning that shoppers are at a risk of not getting the gifts they want.
"With more and more UK households set to really feel the pinch, budgets will be limited."
Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, added: "Shoppers [are] becoming more discerning in their purchasing decisions. This creates a greater desire among shoppers to browse and purchase in physical stores, rather than online.
"At the same time, for many Black Friday will provide the first opportunity to savour the Christmas spirit and enjoy the Christmas decorations and lights in high streets and shopping centres, particularly as many shoppers stayed away from physical stores over the previous two years."