Shopping map reveals the UK cities and cities bucking development with booming excessive streets

Despite a “drab” December for UK high streets with footfall down compared to 2023, a new report has revealed which cities are topping the list for UK high street growth

A new report has revealed the UK cities where high streets are growing the most. 2024 was a challenging year for the UK high street with foot traffic dropping by 2.2% compared to the previous year, according to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Sensormatic Footfall Monitor.

December was a particularly tough month when visits dropped by 2.5% compared with the previous year. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “A drab December which saw fewer shoppers in all locations capped a disappointing year for UK retail footfall.”

However, experts are pointing to the UK cities that are on the up.

Aberdeen is leading the charge, with a massive 82.% growth in their high street over the past five years, SumUp reports.

Barking and Dagenham came in second at 45.1% growth in their high street in the last five years.

Milton Keynes came second with 36% growth, Spelthorne 35.9% came a close fourth at 35.9% and Blackburn with Darwen came fifth at 32.5%.

The SumUp report also indicated which UK cities saw the most growth in pubs and bars.

Mansfield topped the list with 62.5% growth between 2020 and 2024. Chatham came second at 50% and Basildon came third at 33.3%.

Chatham, Kent has an 83% increase in the openings of hairdressing and beauty businesses in the past five years, the highest percentage increase in the UK.

Harlow has seen the highest percentage growth in takeaway food shops, mobile food stands in the past five years.

Telecommunication equipment stores, games and toy stores and clothing markets are the fastest growing industries on the high street.

The SumUp report detailed the top five fastest growing industries on high street:

1. Telecommunications equipment stores
2. Games and toy stores
3. Clothing markets and stalls
4. Bakeries
5. Non-specialised stores

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