Festive footfall in the West End nudged up despite spend falling, according to the New West End Company.
Shoppers rose 3% year-on-year while spend decreased 1%, the firm reported as UK consumers watched their pennies.
Domestic spend dropped 8% year-on-year over November and December, while international spend rose 7% by comparison.
Overall domestic spend in November fell 14%, peaking during Black Friday weekend as shoppers sought out deals.
International spending for the month rose was up just 1%, while footfall as a whole remained in line with 2022 figures.
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By comparison, visitors to the West End climbed 5% year-on-year in December, although overall spend was up just 2% – despite international shoppers spending 13% more.
Domestic spending peaked on 22 December, while Boxing Day saw the highest level of international spend for the year, making it 12% above 2022.
New West End Company CEO Dee Corsi said: “It is clear that the West End has lost none of its appeal as an iconic festive destination. Despite this, spend growth has slowed, with the marked decrease in domestic spending a particular cause for concern.
“It is not only domestic consumers feeling the squeeze either – in 2024 retail and hospitality businesses must account for a costly end to business rates relief, and the imminent increase to the national living wage.”
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