Retail foot traffic in the U.S. experienced a slight increase in 2024, rising by 0.4% year-over-year (YoY). This modest growth highlights consumer resilience and a continued emphasis on value-oriented shopping, despite challenges such as adverse weather and calendar shifts.
Most months of 2024 recorded YoY growth in retail visits, although some periods showed notable declines due to external factors:
- January 2024: Severe winter weather significantly affected foot traffic across many regions.
- April 2024: A calendar shift related to Easter likely contributed to a decline in visits.
- September and December 2024: Both months featured one less Saturday than in 2023, impacting year-over-year comparisons.
Despite these challenges, the overall retail landscape remained stable, indicating potential for growth in 2025, particularly if inflation continues to decline.
Discount and dollar stores led the growth trend with a 2.8% YoY increase in foot traffic, followed by superstores with a growth of 1.7%. These figures reflect consumers’ focus on seeking value during a period of economic uncertainty and rising prices.
In contrast, discretionary categories faced greater difficulties, with sectors like Furniture & Home Furnishings experiencing early-year declines. However, a significant 3.5% YoY increase in Q4 2024 suggests a possible recovery as the market heads into 2025.
Foot traffic growth varied across states, with Maine (2.2%) and North Dakota (2.0%) leading the nation. Both states exhibited resilience during challenging months:
- Maine: Domestic migration trends likely bolstered retail visits.
- North Dakota: A higher concentration of superstores and discount & dollar stores contributed positively to the state’s performance.
Other states experienced more modest gains, reflecting the uneven distribution of retail success throughout 2024.
The overall increase in retail foot traffic, along with the strong performance of value-oriented categories, signifies a steady recovery in consumer behavior. Should economic conditions stabilize and inflation ease, the retail sector may witness further gains in 2025.
