Bright business prospects as Coventry footfall rises

Business owners in Coventry are optimistic that footfall levels will continue to recover from the drop caused by the pandemic, after figures showed an increase since last year.  

Between January and March of this year, Coventry city centre hosted more than 5 million visitors, an increase of almost 12% from 2024.  

The 5.4 million people that made their way into Coventry city centre over the three-month period remains below pre-pandemic levels. Councillor Jim O’Boyle has stated, however, that comparisons are “like comparing apples to oranges”. 

He added that “the way people use and enjoy city centres has changed”, citing how online retail sales have increased their market share by almost 10% since 2019. 

We know there is a lot of hard work ahead to encourage more people back into the city centre [and] the best way we can do that is by providing brilliant experiences but also by making sure people feel safe

Joanne Glover, Coventry BID Chief Executive

Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) Chief Executive Joanne Glover said footfall numbers are “trending in the right direction”. 

She stated: “We know there is a lot of hard work ahead to encourage more people back into the city centre [and] the best way we can do that is by providing brilliant experiences but also by making sure people feel safe.” 

Investment in safety procedures for visitors both during the day and at night in the city is also being prioritised. The BID’s ‘Best Bar None’ initiative recognised excellent standards in alcohol-licensed premises. Crime prevention days and daily street patrols are also being implemented. 

Private sector investment from The Hill Group is allowing for the creation of a new residential community, City Centre South, to ‘future proof’ the city centre. 

Beci Slater, manager of Coventry’s New Look store, said there was a ‘growth in sales’ across the first quarter of 2025, with a particular ‘footfall increase at weekends’

The strong start to 2025 has followed on from a positive festive period last year. There is a growing sense of optimism and confidence among local stakeholders, who hope to see footfall numbers continue to grow. 

Beci Slater, manager of Coventry’s New Look store, said there was a “growth in sales” across the first quarter of 2025, with a particular “footfall increase at weekends”. 

New openings are also popping up across Coventry boosting footfall. Bowling venue Star Pins in West Orchards opened late last year. New indoor adventure park Flip Out boasts dodgems, laser tag, a roller rink, and more for families. Putt Putt Social, a combination of crazy golf, music, and food, also opened recently, just outside the Lower Precinct Shopping Centre.  

700-year-old St Mary’s Guildhall in the cathedral quarter has also been named as a finalist for Visit England’s Awards for Excellence. Winners are announced in June. 

As footfall numbers grow and businesses flourish, Slater’s “optimism for 2025 and beyond” will hopefully continue to spread across Coventry.