Revealed: These are the UK’s shopping hotspots in 2025, according to new data

Across the UK, high streets continue to evolve into experience-driven destinations, and MRI Software’s latest footfall data reveals exactly which cities are thriving. By blending Google searches for “shopping in [city],” ONS business data, and proprietary footfall tracking, this year’s analysis offers a compelling look at the physical destinations where shoppers are choosing to go (and those slipping off the radar).

Nottingham named the UK’s shopping capital

1. Nottingham

Taking the top spot is Nottingham, which has been crowned the UK’s shopping capital of 2025 thanks to its strong mix of choice, convenience, and vibrancy. The city is home to 9,690 active businesses and a retail density of 131 businesses per square kilometre, creating one of the most dynamic shopping environments in the country. Every month, there are 126,700 searches across the UK for “shopping in Nottingham,” showing just how sought-after the city has become for in-person retail, even though this marks a 24% dip compared to last year. Crucially, the data shows people are still heading there in large numbers, with footfall rising by 2.1% in 2024 versus 2023. Nottingham’s success can be credited to a combination of its bustling shopping streets like Bridlesmith Gate, stylish destinations in the Lace Market, and thriving independent boutiques, making it a place where shopping feels like an experience rather than just a transaction.

2. Reading

Securing second place this year is Reading, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to shopping appeal. With 6,550 active businesses and a retail density of 164 businesses per square kilometre, Reading offers one of the most concentrated shopping environments in the UK. The city records 46,240 searches each month for “shopping in Reading,” and while this figure has dipped by 12% year-on-year, its compact, accessible high street continues to attract large numbers of visitors. Business registrations rose slightly by 0.4% between 2023 and 2024, though footfall dipped marginally by 0.9% during the same year. Even so, Reading’s reputation for convenience and a strong mix of both high-street and independent retailers secures its position near the top of the ranking.

3. Bristol

In third place is Bristol, a city whose retail strength lies in its eclectic mix of shopping districts. With 18,395 active businesses and 167 businesses per square kilometre, Bristol offers one of the highest retail densities in the study. It sees 131,000 monthly searches for “shopping in Bristol,” highlighting its nationwide pull, although this is down 14% compared to last year. Business registrations dipped slightly by 0.35%, while footfall fell by 2.1% between 2023 and 2024. Despite this, Bristol continues to stand out thanks to its diverse shopping landscape, from Cabot Circus and The Galleries to independent gems on Gloucester Road, making it a destination where people still seek out unique retail experiences.

4. Leicester

Leicester claims fourth place in the ranking, demonstrating the city’s ability to hold its own as a regional retail hub. With 13,500 active businesses and a notably high density of 185 businesses per square kilometre, Leicester has one of the most concentrated shopping environments in the country. Each month, there are 64,490 searches for “shopping in Leicester,” although this marks a 12% fall compared to last year. New business registrations have increased by 0.2%, but footfall dropped by 4.6% year-on-year between 2023 and 2024, suggesting that while the city retains a strong base of retailers, there are challenges in attracting more visitors. Even so, Leicester’s mix of Highcross, Haymarket, and independent shopping areas means it continues to be an important retail destination.

5. Leeds

Rounding out the top five is Leeds, securing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading shopping cities. The city has 29,270 active businesses, although with a relatively low density of 53 businesses per square kilometre compared to others in the top five. Leeds records one of the highest national interest figures, with 382,140 searches every month for “shopping in Leeds,” underlining its enduring appeal despite a 9% dip compared to 2024. Business registrations declined slightly by 0.85%, but footfall rose by 1.3% year-on-year, showing that the city continues to attract visitors in strong numbers. From Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate to the historic Kirkgate Market, Leeds combines modern retail, luxury brands, and independents to create a shopping environment that remains a major draw

This research highlights how shoppers are motivated by experience rather than convenience.
Cities like Nottingham, Reading, and Bristol are thriving
because they offer more than just shops, they create a reason to visit, whether that’s through
vibrant food scenes, cultural landmarks, or well-curated shopping districts.

– Jenni Matthews at MRI Software.

Methodology

This ranking combines:
● Google Search Volumes: National searches for “shopping in [city]” to gauge interest in visiting physically via Keywordtool.io
● ONS Business Data: Number of active retail businesses and business density per square kilometre
● MRI Footfall Analytics: Weekly tracking of foot traffic trends to assess actual physical visits
The combined analysis covers 33 UK cities to create a balanced view of where shoppers choose to go and which high streets are under suffocating pressure.

About MRI Software

MRI Software tracks and forecasts footfall and delivers performance metrics across all key retail destination types at national and regional levels. This is the most comprehensive footfall data set in the UK, using the latest generation automated technology, recording over 159 million footfall counts 24/7 at 2,790 counting points in over 660 UK retail destinations comprising of high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres.