Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics 2025

Retail foot traffic in 2025 is shaping up to be a tale of two industries—grocery stores are seeing steady growth, while fashion retailers are struggling to maintain in-store visits. Economic pressures, changing consumer behaviors, and the rise of omnichannel shopping are driving significant shifts in how and where people spend their money. Grocery stores are benefiting from a renewed focus on home-cooked meals and essential shopping, while fashion retailers are facing challenges in attracting in-person shoppers. However, emerging trends in technology, convenience, and experiential retail are reshaping both sectors. The following ten statistics highlight the key differences in foot traffic between grocery and fashion retail, along with their implications for the future.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)

As of early 2025, foot traffic trends in the retail sector have shown notable variations between grocery stores and fashion retailers. Here are the top 10 statistics highlighting these differences:​

1. Overall Retail Foot Traffic Growth: In 2024, retail foot traffic increased by approximately 0.4% compared to 2023. This modest growth indicates a stabilization in consumer in-store visits. ​

2. Grocery Store Foot Traffic Surge: Grocery stores experienced a significant uptick in foot traffic, welcoming over 1 million additional customers and achieving a 2.27% increase in visits in 2024. This surge underscores the essential nature of grocery shopping and a consumer shift towards home-cooked meals. 

3. Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Decline: Conversely, clothing retailers saw a 1.3% decrease in transactions in January 2025, reflecting challenges in attracting in-store shoppers. ​

4. Impact of Economic Factors: Higher prices have led consumers to seek value, with many switching to more affordable brands and discount retailers. This behavior has created a loyalty crisis, as nearly 6 in 10 retail executives anticipate consumers valuing price over loyalty in the year ahead. ​

5. Shift Towards Superstores: By the third quarter of 2024, visits were up at grocery stores and big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, which tend to serve higher-income households. ​

6. Luxury Apparel Market Growth: Despite challenges in foot traffic, the luxury apparel market is projected to grow from $110.13 billion in 2024 to $151.32 billion by 2029, indicating sustained demand in this segment. 

7. E-commerce Integration: Retailers have invested heavily in their e-commerce supply chains and are now better able to compete. They also have figured out how to use physical stores to their advantage, offering curbside pickup and incentivizing customers to physically hand in online returns, driving traffic to their stores. 

8. Technology Adoption in Stores: In 2025, retailers are focusing on personalized in-store experiences and technology to boost foot traffic and engagement. ​

9. Omnichannel Shopping Trends: Omnichannel shoppers spend 4% more in stores and 10% more online, highlighting the importance of integrated shopping experiences. ​

10. Retail Sales Projections: Retail executives expect the industry to grow by mid–single digits on average in 2025, indicating a cautiously optimistic outlook for the sector. ​

These statistics reflect the dynamic nature of retail foot traffic in 2025, with grocery stores experiencing growth due to their essential status and adaptability, while fashion retailers face challenges in attracting in-store shoppers amidst economic pressures and evolving consumer preferences.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics 2025 and Future Implications

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #1. Overall Retail Foot Traffic Growth

Retail foot traffic grew by 0.4% in 2024, signaling a slow but steady return to in-person shopping. While this growth is modest, it reflects consumer resilience despite economic fluctuations and shifting shopping behaviors. Brick-and-mortar stores must continue enhancing in-store experiences to maintain this upward trend, integrating digital tools to create seamless omnichannel experiences. The slight increase suggests that while online shopping remains dominant, physical stores still hold value for discovery, immediate purchases, and social experiences. Moving forward, retailers that innovate with experiential shopping, personalized engagement, and convenience-driven strategies will likely capture a greater share of foot traffic.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #2. Grocery Store Foot Traffic Surge

Grocery stores saw a 2.27% increase in visits in 2024, reinforcing their essential role in daily consumer habits. The rise in foot traffic suggests a renewed focus on home-cooked meals and economic-conscious shopping, particularly amid rising inflation. Grocery chains that enhance their in-store experience through automation, self-checkout, and in-app promotions will likely see sustained customer retention. This growth also presents an opportunity for grocers to strengthen loyalty programs and hybrid models, like curbside pickup and express lanes, to accommodate evolving shopper preferences. Looking ahead, the grocery industry’s ability to balance efficiency and customer satisfaction will be key to maintaining this momentum.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #3. Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Decline

Fashion retailers experienced a 1.3% decrease in transactions in January 2025, reflecting shifting consumer priorities. Economic pressures and changing preferences for online shopping have made in-store visits less frequent, pushing brands to rethink their retail strategies. To counteract this trend, fashion brands must enhance in-store experiences through interactive displays, exclusive in-store collections, and AI-powered personalization. The decline suggests that brands unable to adapt may struggle, while those embracing experiential retail—such as fashion shows, styling sessions, and digital integration—will remain competitive. The future of fashion retail will likely hinge on blending entertainment, technology, and convenience to reignite foot traffic.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #4. Impact of Economic Factors

With six in ten retail executives predicting consumers will prioritize price over brand loyalty in 2025, discount and value-based shopping are becoming the norm. Economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures mean that shoppers are actively seeking promotions, discounts, and store-brand alternatives over premium products. This shift is prompting retailers to reassess their pricing strategies, leveraging bulk deals, private-label expansion, and loyalty programs to retain customers. As the value-conscious mindset continues, luxury and mid-tier brands may need to explore hybrid strategies, such as affordable sub-brands or rental models, to maintain market share. The long-term challenge will be balancing competitive pricing with brand equity to ensure sustainable profitability.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #5. Shift Towards Superstores

Big-box retailers, including Walmart and Target, saw a rise in foot traffic, particularly from higher-income households. This suggests that even wealthier consumers are seeking cost-effective shopping experiences, reflecting inflation’s broad impact on spending habits. Superstores' ability to provide a one-stop-shop for groceries, household essentials, and apparel is a key factor driving this growth. Retailers that integrate convenience-focused services, like same-day delivery and seamless checkout options, will likely continue capturing consumer interest. The future will see a stronger emphasis on efficiency, affordability, and product variety as large-scale retailers dominate the in-store shopping landscape.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #6. Luxury Apparel Market Growth

Despite foot traffic declines in broader fashion retail, the luxury apparel market is projected to grow from $110.13 billion in 2024 to $151.32 billion by 2029. This highlights the resilience of high-end fashion, driven by wealthy consumers and the aspirational market. The surge suggests that while mid-tier fashion struggles, luxury brands remain desirable, particularly those offering exclusivity, craftsmanship, and strong brand narratives. Retailers in this space must continue leveraging experiential marketing, limited-edition collaborations, and personalized shopping services to attract affluent customers. Moving forward, the luxury sector’s growth will likely hinge on exclusivity, digital integration, and sustainability-driven luxury consumption.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #7. E-commerce Integration in Physical Stores

Retailers are increasingly using physical stores to complement their online presence, with strategies like curbside pickup and in-store online returns. This shift is helping businesses drive foot traffic while maintaining efficiency in last-mile delivery. By encouraging customers to visit stores for returns or online order pickups, brands create additional opportunities for in-store engagement and impulse purchases. Companies investing in tech-driven convenience, such as AI-powered recommendations and cashierless checkout, will gain a competitive edge. As this trend continues, successful retailers will merge physical and digital touchpoints to create an integrated, frictionless shopping experience.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #8. Technology Adoption in Stores

Retailers are focusing on personalized in-store experiences through AI-driven recommendations, smart mirrors, and mobile checkout solutions. The adoption of technology in physical stores is bridging the gap between e-commerce and traditional shopping, making in-person visits more efficient and engaging. Brands leveraging real-time data to tailor promotions and product recommendations will likely see increased customer satisfaction and sales. The integration of AR/VR for virtual try-ons and interactive displays will further enhance engagement, particularly in apparel and beauty retail. Future success in retail will depend on how well businesses blend physical shopping with digital innovation to create seamless, high-value experiences.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #9. Omnichannel Shopping Trends

Omnichannel shoppers spend 4% more in stores and 10% more online, emphasizing the need for retailers to unify their digital and physical presence. Consumers now expect consistency across all shopping channels, from mobile apps to brick-and-mortar locations. Companies that provide seamless transitions—such as click-and-collect services, unified loyalty programs, and synchronized pricing—will benefit from higher customer retention and sales. The implication is clear: brands that fail to integrate their online and offline strategies risk losing customers to those that offer a truly interconnected shopping experience. In the future, omnichannel excellence will be the standard, not the exception.

Grocery Store vs Fashion Retail Foot Traffic Statistics #10. Retail Sales Projections for 2025

Retail executives predict mid-single-digit growth for the industry in 2025, indicating cautious optimism. While inflationary pressures remain a concern, consumer spending is expected to continue at a moderate pace, especially in sectors offering essential goods and strong value propositions. Retailers that adapt pricing strategies while maintaining brand differentiation will likely navigate these economic shifts successfully. The outlook suggests a growing divide between value-driven retailers and premium brands, with mid-tier players facing the greatest challenges. Looking ahead, businesses must focus on agility, strategic pricing, and customer-centric innovations to sustain growth in an evolving retail landscape.

The Future of Retail Foot Traffic: Adapt or Struggle

The contrast between grocery and fashion retail foot traffic in 2025 highlights a clear trend—consumers are prioritizing convenience, value, and hybrid shopping experiences. Grocery stores continue to thrive by adapting to shifting consumer needs, integrating technology, and offering seamless in-store and digital experiences. Meanwhile, fashion retailers must rethink their approach, moving beyond traditional retail models to create immersive, technology-driven shopping environments that encourage foot traffic. The brands that succeed will be those that embrace omnichannel strategies, personalize customer interactions, and innovate their in-store experiences. As the retail landscape continues evolving, adaptability will be the key factor determining which businesses thrive and which struggle to stay relevant.

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