London’s West End expects resilient festive period with sales rising by 1.3%
This year’s festive season is expected to contribute up to £1.7 billion to the economy in London’s West End with sales in the period predicted to rise by 1.3% on 2024.
Data from New West End Company has shown that flight bookings to London across November and December are up 2.8% on the same time last year with the uplift partly driven by an increase in planned visits by high spending tourists from countries such as United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Qatar.
As in previous years, international sales will be the primary driver of overall growth in the Christmas period with spending predicted to be up 1.9% year-on-year. In contrast, domestic spend is expected to increase by just 0.9%.
The West End has been boosted by a range of new openings this year, including IKEA’s Oxford Street store and new flagships for Space NK, Rolex and Michael Kors. The district has also seen the return of Topshop with a pop-up in Liberty.
Subscribe to TRBDee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “The West End is an iconic destination all year round, but it becomes truly exceptional during the festive season.
“Our sales forecast reflects its resilience as a flagship destination, backed up by on-street surveys which reveal the depth of loyalty and affection visitors have for the West End. That said, it is clear that consumers are still feeling the pinch and, whilst the West End’s appeal to visitors is enduring, growth is stalling.
“This year’s late Budget offers a crucial opportunity for the Government to supercharge the UK’s appeal to tourists, boost domestic consumer confidence, and back British businesses, during the most important trading period of the year.
“Bold, targeted growth measures, such as exempting retail, leisure and hospitality operators from a ‘super tax’ business rates multiplier, are exactly what we need.”
New West End Company said consumer sentiment in the shopping district remains positive. Recent on-street surveys by the organisation found that visitor ‘satisfaction’ and ‘loyalty’ are up year-on-year. Furthermore, 77% of those interviewed were on a planned visit compared to 58% in the same period in 2024.
