How to Measure Foot Traffic Data: Techniques, Tools, and Insights for Retail Success

Foot traffic is one of the most vital indicators of retail success, and in this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about this topic. We’ll answer questions like:

• How do you find traffic data in Google? Learn how tools like Google Maps and Google Business Profiles provide actionable insights about when your location is busiest.
• How do you track retail flow? Discover modern tools and methods, from manual counting to advanced technologies like Wi-Fi tracking or heatmaps.

We’ll also share practical tips for turning traffic data into strategies that improve sales, optimize store layouts, and elevate customer experiences. Throughout this guide, you’ll find case studies, tools, and real-world applications to make visitor flow data work for you.

At the heart of it all are cutting-edge solutions (like Center AI) that have helped businesses like Lewiatan, New Balance, or Decathlon transform their foot movement into measurable success. With their expertise, we’ll show you how to gather, analyze, and act on traffic data to drive your organization forward. Let’s get started!

What is foot traffic data?

Foot traffic data is all about understanding how many people are moving in, around, or near a specific location. Think of it as measuring the human energy flowing through a space. Whether it’s shoppers strolling through a mall, diners lining up outside a trendy restaurant, or tourists exploring a museum, this data provides valuable insights into behavior and activity patterns.

Pedestrian traffic data refers to the number of people physically visiting a location during a specific period. For retail stores, it’s the number of customers who walk through the doors. For public spaces, it could mean the people passing through a park or square. And so on…

High-shopper movement data can indicate a popular location, powerful marketing, or an appealing product offering. However, always look beyond the surface. Are these visitors actually spending money, or are they just browsing? Are they staying long enough to explore your offerings, or is your space too cramped for comfort? Use these insights to understand who is showing up, when they’re there, and even why they’ve chosen your place.

Why are foot traffic metrics important?

Foot traffic data can fuel smarter decisions for your business. By analyzing foot movement, you can answer questions like:

• When is my busiest time of day or week?
• Which areas of my store or location are drawing the most attention?
• Are marketing campaigns actually driving people to my business?
• How does my location compare to competitors in the same area?

Let’s say a store (like yours) might notice that weekends have the highest foot traffic, but sales data shows fewer conversions during those times. That could mean customers are browsing but not buying, signaling a need to adjust pricing, displays, or staffing.

The real win? Using foot traffic insights to understand what’s really happening and make changes that get results.

What are foot traffic metrics and their relevance to retail?

Foot traffic metrics go beyond just counting heads, and they include data points like:

• Peak hours. When does your store get the most visitors?
• Dwell time. How long do people stay in your store or area?
• Conversion rate. How many visitors make a purchase?
• Bounce rate. How many people leave shortly after entering?

These metrics are invaluable for any retailer! They can influence everything from inventory management to staffing schedules. If you know your peak movement is at lunchtime, you can ensure enough staff is on hand to provide outstanding service. Or, if you notice certain store areas have low engagement, you might rearrange displays to encourage more exploration.

In short, foot traffic data is a powerful tool for understanding your business’s health, making informed decisions, and, ultimately, powering growth. If you’re a mom-and-pop shop or a large retail chain, tapping into this data can give you an edge in an ever-changing market.

How does high foot traffic benefit retail?

High in-store traffic often leads to more sales – after all, more people walking through the door means more opportunities to convert browsers into buyers. It’s as straightforward as that! Beyond boosting sales, this influx of customers can also generate buzz around your store, drawing even more attention. Moreover, high foot movement can:

• Boost brand visibility. People who visit your store or even walk by become familiar with your brand, increasing the chances they’ll think of you next time they shop.
• Lead to organic word-of-mouth marketing. A busy store signals quality and popularity, encouraging others to check it out.
• Support data collection. High traffic yields more options for collecting information on customer behavior and mobility data, as well as tastes or trends.

What does higher foot traffic mean for businesses?

Higher foot traffic is generally a positive sign – it means your location is attracting people. Yet, it’s important to assess the quality of that movement, such as:

• Are visitors converting into customers? If not, it may signal an issue with your pricing, product mix, or customer experience.
• Is your space designed to handle the crowd? Too much traffic without enough staff or an efficient layout can lead to frustration for customers and employees alike.

Higher foot movement also means more wear and tear on your space and higher operational demands, such as stocking up on inventory or ensuring customer service is on point. So, while it’s great to have a crowd, you need the right systems in place to make the most of it.

How to find foot traffic data?

Finding visitor flow data might sound tricky, but it’s actually much easier than you’d think when you have the right tools and strategies. There are plenty of ways to gather this data, and each method can be tailored to fit your business’s unique needs and budget.

The key here is knowing that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and that what works for a small boutique might not be the best fit for a large retail chain. For this reason, it’s worth exploring both traditional and modern methods to find the approach that suits you best.

1. Manual counts and in-store sensors

Hand counting can be a straightforward way to gather data if you’re just starting out or operating on a smaller scale. This involves physically counting the number of people entering your store during specific times or using clicker counters at the door. While it’s low-cost, it’s also time-consuming and prone to human error.

In-store sensors, like infrared counters or camera-based systems, are a step up. These tools automatically track the number of people entering and exiting your location. They’re ideal for businesses that want a simple, reliable way to monitor traffic without diving into complex data analysis.

With solutions like Center AI, you can go beyond raw counts. The platform integrates sensor data into a single dashboard, helping businesses track traffic trends in real time and eliminating the hassle of managing multiple tools.

Pro tip: Enhance your marketing strategies with drive-to-store marketing strategies to maximize your pedestrian flow details.

2. Modern technologies 

Mobile technology has revolutionized how businesses gather on-site traffic insights. Solutions that leverage GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth data can track customer movement both inside and around your location. For instance:

• Beacons can detect nearby mobile devices and send targeted messages to potential customers.
• Wi-Fi analytics can identify repeat visitors and their behaviors by connecting to their devices.
• GPS tracking helps analyze broader trends, such as where customers are coming from or how they navigate to your store.

Respond to every negative online review quickly and courteously, offering tangible solutions or compensation if appropriate. When potential buyers see you handle criticism with empathy, it reassures them that you’ll stand behind your product or service if something goes wrong.

Center AI goes above and beyond by integrating mobile data into its platform, offering a complete snapshot of audience behavior. Combining GPS data with in-store Wi-Fi trends lets you identify where customers are coming from and what areas of your store capture their attention.

Explore how tools like Google Maps statistics and insights provide actionable data to refine your current strategies and boost visibility.

3. Data collected in Google

Google foot traffic data can be your go-to resource for businesses with an online presence. Tools like Google My Business and Google Maps offer valuable insights into when people visit your store and how busy it gets throughout the day or week.

Take Google Maps Popular Times, for example. This handy feature shows how busy your location typically is at different times, making it perfect for planning things like staffing or managing inventory during peak hours.

Then, there’s Google My Business Insights, which tracks how often people search for your business and follow up by visiting your website or location. It’s a great way to see how your online visibility translates into real-world traffic. Want to take it a step further? For tips on making the most of your profile, check out Google Business Profile optimization so that you’re fully maximizing your digital presence.

These features make it easy for businesses to align their online strategies with physical store traffic. Center AI syncs effortlessly with Google My Business and brings all your insights into one easy-to-use dashboard. What does that mean for you? First, you’re gathering foot traffic data, and then you’re using it to sharpen your marketing strategies and streamline your operations.

And don’t stop there! Take a look at our guide on reputation management strategies to strengthen customer engagement and make your presence even stronger.

4. Accurate tracking tools

For one thing, use dedicated foot traffic counters or mobile apps to log entries and exits. These foot traffic data providers give you a solid baseline for tracking how many people visit your store. Combine sensor data with manual counts for high-traffic events to ensure the numbers are spot on. 

Finally, don’t forget to review and clean your data regularly to weed out anomalies like staff movements or delivery counts that can skew your results.

Platforms like Center AI take the guesswork out of this process. Automating data collection and cleaning saves you time and assures accuracy. Even better, Center AI lets you merge visitor flow data with sales figures, customer demographics, and competitor insights to see store output explicitly.

And while you’re at it, why not double down on customer trust? Learn how to get more reviews to drive both online engagement and in-store visits, boosting foot traffic from all angles.

Can you get traffic data from Google Maps?

Absolutely! Google Maps stands as a great resource for businesses looking to grasp on-site traffic patterns. Through features such as “Popular Times” and real-time crowd updates, Google Maps provides valuable insights into how busy your location or nearby areas are, when peak times occur, and how people move around.

Such information can make a huge difference for retailers, restaurants, or event planners. It allows you to plan staffing, promotions, and event schedules effectively. By combining user activity with advanced algorithms, Google Maps helps you better understand and respond to any customer flow.

How to see how busy a place is on Google Maps

Google Maps’ “Popular Times” is one of its most useful features for gauging foot traffic. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Google Maps and search for the location you’re interested in.
2. Scroll down to the location’s details, where you’ll find the “Popular Times” section.
3. View a graph showing how busy the location typically is on different days of the week and at various times.
4. If you check during business hours, you’ll see a real-time estimate of how busy the location is right now.

It’s a great way for businesses to figure out peak hours for planning promotions or staffing. On top of that, if you’re looking to boost your online presence, using Google Business Posts can be a smart move.

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Steps for foot traffic data collection from Google Maps

1. Claim your business on Google My Business.

If you haven’t already done so, confirm your business is listed and verified on Google My Business. This step unlocks access to insights about customer searches and visits to your store.

2. Analyze “Popular Times” customer data.

You should already know that you can use this feature to pinpoint trends in your area or a specific location.

3. Monitor behaviors through directions.

Track how often people request directions to your business from Google Maps. This can give you a sense of interest levels and predict count.

4. Cross-reference with reviews and ratings.

Combine visitor flow insights with customer feedback to see if peak times correlate with positive experiences.

Tips on how to go on foot on Google Maps and use it

If you’re curious about how people navigate on foot around your location, Google Maps has specific features designed for pedestrians:

• Switch to walking directions by selecting the walking icon when planning a route.
• Use the “Live View” feature for augmented reality navigation, helping you explore how customers might approach your store on foot.
• Examine nearby transit stops and pathways that could funnel pedestrian traffic toward your business.

Center AI makes things even easier by bringing Google Maps insights straight into its analytics platform. You can spot high-traffic entry points and adjust your signage to catch more attention. It helps you keep an eye on trends near transit hubs so you can tweak your marketing to match the flow of people. And if there are any accessibility issues, like awkward pathways or confusing directions, Center AI helps you figure it out and fix it!

Where is the most foot traffic?

Foot traffic is all about being where the people are, but where exactly are those high-traffic areas? Knowing where the crowds go and why they’re drawn there can help you position yourself to capture that action. Let’s look at some examples of bustling areas and what makes them great at pulling people in.

Analysis of high-traffic areas

Busy areas are often located where people naturally gather due to convenience, entertainment, or necessity. Think of bustling city centers, shopping malls, public transit hubs, or popular tourist attractions. These places consistently draw crowds because they serve as central points for work, shopping, dining, or leisure:

• Downtown districts. These areas are usually packed with office workers during the day and tourists or locals in the evenings.
• Transportation hubs. Train stations, bus terminals, and airports see steady streams of people passing through daily.
• Shopping malls. A go-to destination for retail therapy, dining, and socializing, malls are designed to maximize visitor flow.
• Cultural hotspots. Museums, theaters, and event venues attract people with unique experiences.
• Retail stores in high-density areas. A flagship store on a major shopping street will likely draw more visitors than a location in a quieter neighborhood.
• Restaurants near transit or offices. Cafes and fast-food spots close to busy transit stations or corporate areas enjoy steady streams of commuters and employees.
• Tourist attractions and landmarks. These locations are magnets for out-of-towners and locals alike, keeping nearby businesses bustling.

Patiently study these patterns to identify where on-site movement is the highest, when it peaks, and why so.
Also, browse factors that influence walk-ins in these areas include:

1. Accessibility. Is the location easy to reach by foot, car, or public transport?
2. Proximity to complementary businesses. Stores near related businesses often see increased trade. For instance, a shoe store near a clothing retailer might draw shared customers.
3. Weather and seasonality. Outdoor locations may experience fluctuating traffic based on weather, while indoor malls may remain consistently busy.
4. Special events. Concerts, parades, and seasonal markets can create temporary spikes in footfall data.

The key takeaway? High footfall details are all about being in the right place, offering what people want when they want it, and ensuring they have a reason to return.

What is foot traffic analysis?

Foot traffic analysis is the process of studying how many people visit a specific location, when they come, and what they do while they’re there. Don’t just count heads but try to comprehend patterns, behaviors, and trends to make data-driven decisions that sweeten customer experience and drive your growth.

Learn how ROPO (Research Online, Purchase Offline effect) leverages foot traffic analytics and see the most revolutionary marketing strategies.

What does foot traffic research in retail stores involve?

Foot traffic research digs deep into the movement and behaviors of customers. Here’s what it typically involves:

1. Data collection. Using tools like sensors, cameras, mobile data, and manual counts to gather information about visitor numbers and patterns.
2. Identifying trends. Spotting peak hours, slow periods, and seasonal variations in movement.
3. Behavioral analysis. Understanding how customers navigate the store – what areas they linger in, which products they interact with, and where bottlenecks occur.
4. Customer segmentation. Breaking down traffic data by demographics, like age, gender, or preferences, to create targeted marketing and product strategies.
5. Performance benchmarking. Comparing walk-in information across multiple locations or against competitors to measure success. Got many locations? Tools like the Store Locator make it easy for customers to find the nearest store and drop by.

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Tools and strategies for conducting foot traffic analysis

Analyzing foot traffic requires the right tools and methods to turn raw data into actionable insights. Find out what you’ll need to do just that.

1. Technological tools

Technology has made it simple to get real insights into how people interact with your space. Tools like sensors, GPS data, and heatmaps count visitors, and more importantly, they show you where people spend their time, how they move through your store, and even where they’re coming from.

Want to know which areas are buzzing and which could use a little love? Or how long do customers stay and whether they come back? These solutions have you covered. You can even use some to send personalized offers or promotions right to their phones – turning a quick visit into a lasting connection.

2. Data integration platforms

Managing store visit data from different sources can be cumbersome, but data integration platforms make it so much more accessible. Tools like Google Analytics pull all your data into one place, giving you a holistic view of pedestrian traffic trends.

These platforms let you see everything in one go (peak hours, repeat visits, traffic patterns, you name it) so you can make smarter decisions without the hassle. No matter, if it’s figuring out the best times to schedule staff, tweaking your marketing campaigns, or rethinking your store layout, having all your data in one spot, means you can act fast.

3. Strategies for analysis

You’ve got all this visitor flow data. Now what? The trick is to turn it into insights you can actually use.

Let’s start with trend analysis. This is where you look for patterns over time. For example, does your store get busier during certain promotions or after you’ve switched up your layout? Spotting these trends can help you predict future movements and plan better.

Next up, there’s customer journey mapping, which is all about following how shoppers move through your store. Think of it like putting yourself in their shoes – where do they stop, what do they skip, and where do they leave? If you notice people dropping off before they hit your key displays, it might be time to adjust your layout or add some eye-catching signage.

Then, there’s A/B testing, which is basically experimenting with what works best. Rearrange your displays, try different promotions, or tweak your marketing and see what drives more traffic or boosts sales. It’s a great way to figure out what clicks with your customers.

4. Actionable insights

Once you’ve analyzed your foot traffic data, it’s time to put those insights to work. Use the data to optimize your store layout by identifying movement flows. If certain areas are seeing less activity, consider moving popular products or promotions there to encourage exploration. The goal is to guide customers through your store naturally and ensure they interact with key items along the way.

Align your staffing schedules with peak traffic times to ensure excellent customer service when needed most. If your busiest hours are lunchtime or early evenings, confirm you have enough staff to handle the crowd without sacrificing service quality.

Finally, take advantage of the quieter times by tailoring your marketing campaigns. Promote special offers or events during slower periods to draw more visitors when walk-in activity tends to dip. 

How to calculate walk-ins in retail

Tracking walk-ins is the first step to understanding your store’s performance. To calculate the number of visits reliably, you need a reliable counting system, but first you need the following steps:

1. Choose a reliable counting system

Install mentioned sensors, cameras, or Wi-Fi trackers at your entry points to automatically count visitors.

2. Account for non-customer traffic

Exclude staff, delivery personnel, and other non-shoppers from your counts to get an accurate representation of actual customer activity.

3. Log data regularly

Record foot traffic data daily, weekly, and monthly to spot trends and patterns over time.

4. Analyze peak periods

Break down movement data by time of day and day of the week to identify when your store is busiest.

5. Integrate with sales data

Combine traffic and mobility data with your point-of-sale (POS) information to calculate metrics like conversion rates and average spend per visitor.

6. Map the customer journey

Track how customers move through your store, identifying high- and low-traffic areas. This information helps optimize layouts and product placement.

7. Use time-based analysis

Measure footfall during specific time frames to understand peak hours and slower periods. This is crucial for staffing and promotional planning.

8. Track repeat visits

Use Wi-Fi or loyalty app data to identify returning customers and build profiles of your most loyal shoppers.

9. Monitor external factors

Combine internal footfall data with external factors like weather, holidays, or local events to better predict and respond to changes in traffic patterns.

What is the footfall formula for retail?

The footfall formula helps retailers see how foot movement lines up with other key metrics, giving a better idea of how traffic affects business results. Monitoring walk-ins with this formula lets you track trends and make smarter decisions.

Discover the simplest formula:

Footfall Conversion Rate (%) = (Number of Transactions ÷ Total Walk-Ins) × 100

This calculation helps you see what percentage of visitors are making purchases.

For example:

If 1,000 people enter your store in a week, but 200 of them are staff or non-shoppers, your actual walk-ins are 800. If you also had 200 transactions that week, your footfall conversion rate would be:

(200 ÷ 800) × 100 = 25%

You can better understand how marketing campaigns or seasonal promotions influence traffic and conversions by consistently monitoring this data.

Methods to track foot traffic data

Below are some of the most influential methods for tracking and putting the foot traffic data collected to good use.

1. Infrared counters and motion sensors

These tools track the number of people entering and exiting your store in real time. They’re affordable and easy to install, making them a flawless option for small to medium-sized retailers.

2. Cameras and video analytics

Advanced video systems can do more than count people. They can analyze traffic flow, detect repeat visitors, and even provide demographic information like age and gender.

3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tracking

By detecting smartphones with enabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, these systems can measure dwell time, identify new versus returning customers, and track movement within the store.

4. Mobile app and GPS data

Retailers with apps that use mobile location data can employ GPS information to track how customers navigate their stores or shopping districts. This method provides valuable insights into external traffic patterns as well.

5. Data integration platforms

Use available tools to consolidate data from multiple sources that provide clues about traffic trends, behavior, and conversion rates. You can also maintain consistent business listings with bulk listings management.

6. Heatmaps and spatial analytics

Heatmap tools visualize where customers spend the most time within your store. This data helps identify which areas draw attention and which may need better product placement or layout adjustments.

Learn about modern tracking tools and methods, including advanced AI-driven solutions highlighted in the future of brick-and-mortar shopping.

Practical applications of foot traffic data

Pairing visitor foot traffic insights with sales metrics shows how well a location or strategy is actually working. Keep reading to see how combining these foot traffic patterns can help.

Want to dive deeper into the connection between online research and offline purchases? Explore our guide on the ROPO Effect (Research Online, Purchase Offline) to see how bridging the digital and physical worlds can transform your business strategy.

Choosing store locations

When opening a new store, use visitor flow data to evaluate potential sites. Areas with high pedestrian flow or proximity to complementary businesses are often more successful. For instance, a coffee shop might choose a location near a transit hub to capture commuter traffic.

Optimizing store layouts

Heatmaps generated from in-store traffic data reveal high- and low-traffic zones. Use this information to rearrange displays, place popular products in high-visibility areas, or improve accessibility to underperforming sections.

Tailoring staffing schedules

If data shows that movement spikes occur during specific hours or days, adjust staffing levels to ensure excellent customer service without overstaffing during slow periods.

Improving promotions and events

Analyze traffic patterns to determine the best times to launch sales, hold events, or promote new products. A store might host a product demo during peak hours to maximize visibility.

Assessing local popularity

Determine which neighborhoods, streets, or shopping centers draw the most visitors. Use this information to target new markets or relocate underperforming stores.

Analyzing customer behavior patterns

Analyze where customers spend the most time in your store or nearby. A retailer might find that client movement increases near seasonal displays, prompting a shift in marketing focus.

Benchmarking competition

Compare your location’s foot traffic with competitors to understand where you stand in the market. Are nearby stores drawing more visitors, and if so, why? Stay ahead of the competition with the competitor ranking tracker. It shows how you stack up and helps you step up your game.

Planning events and timing

Use foot traffic data to identify the best times and places to hold events or launch initiatives. So, a brand might set up a pop-up shop in a bustling area during a local festival.

Strategies for increasing foot traffic

Getting people through your door is a key challenge for any business, and with the right strategies, you can encourage visitors to stay, explore, and ultimately convert into customers. Here are proven ways how to get foot traffic into your store and make the most of your location.

1. Optimize for local SEO and Google Business Profile

Customers who can’t find you online might not make it to your store. Local SEO ensures your business appears prominently in search results for nearby customers. 

One of the easiest ways to boost your business’s visibility and bring in more foot traffic is by optimizing your Google Business Profile. Start by claiming and updating your profile with accurate details. Ensure your contact information, store hours, and photos are up to date. This helps potential customers get a clear and trustworthy first impression, making them more likely to visit your location.

Encouraging reviews is another simple yet powerful step. Positive reviews make your business more appealing and improve your Google ranking, making it easier for people to find you. Don’t hesitate to ask happy customers to leave a review – it can make a big difference in your online reputation and foot traffic.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of local keywords in your website content. Phrases like “best coffee shop in [city]” can help you appear in search results when people are looking for businesses in your area. When you combine an optimized profile, pungent reviews, and innovative use of local keywords, you can guarantee your business stands out and draws more people to your door.

For more actionable tips, see how AI revolutionizes the retail shopping experience.

2. Geofencing and location-based marketing

Geofencing uses GPS or Wi-Fi to create a virtual boundary around your store or a target area. When customers with enabled devices enter this boundary, they receive targeted promotions or messages, making it a fantastic way to connect with potential customers and boost foot traffic on the fly.

Sending personalized offers is a great way to catch the attention of nearby shoppers. Let them know about discounts, special events, or new products as they get close to your store – it’s an effortless way to tempt them to swing by.

You can also use geofencing to drive impulse visits. For instance, offering a “15% off if you stop by now” deal can be just the nudge someone needs to walk in and make a purchase. These timely and targeted offers are perfect for converting passersby into customers.

Don’t overlook the power of collaboration, either. Partnering with neighboring businesses to run shared geofencing campaigns can bring more people to the area as a whole. When you work together, you can create a bustling environment that benefits everyone involved. It’s a win-win for the entire community!

3. Host events to attract customers

Events are a great way to draw people into your space and create memorable experiences. Hosting events is a great way to draw people into your store and create memorable experiences that keep them coming back.

For example, product launches are perfect for showcasing a new item or service. Combine this with a tool like content publishing to streamline and automate your messaging across platforms, ensuring your in-store launch event gets the attention it deserves.

Workshops or demos are another way to engage customers. Giving them hands-on opportunities to try your products or learn new skills not only attracts foot traffic but also builds a stronger connection to your brand.

Don’t forget the appeal of seasonal celebrations. If it’s a back-to-school sale, a holiday bazaar, or a themed shopping event, these occasions align with customer habits and create excitement.

Real-world case studies and success stories on location data collected

Foot traffic data has been a breakthrough for brands such as Leviathan, New Balance, and Decathlon, helping them lure more customers and turn those visits into measurable success. Partnering with Center AI, they’ve used this info to make smarter choices and see solid results.

Lewiatan boosting foot traffic in neighborhood stores

Lewiatan, a leading retail chain in Poland, faced challenges managing its presence across over 3,200 stores. They implemented Center AI’s solutions and achieved:

• 861 hours saved monthly. Automating the publication of marketing posts offers streamlined operations, freeing up significant time for the team.
• 140% increase in requests for directions. Enhanced visibility on Google Maps led to a substantial rise in customers seeking directions to their stores, directly boosting foot traffic.
• 92% increase in website visits. Improved online presence and better customer communication resulted in more people visiting Lewiatan’s website from Google Maps.

Lewiatan’s approach shows how focusing on the flow of people can bring in more customers and make every visit count.

New Balance drawing shoppers into flagship stores

For New Balance, attracting customers to their physical stores is key to building their brand and driving sales. They use Center AI to:

• 670.94% increase in driving requests. Enhanced store visibility on Google Maps significantly boosted the number of customers seeking directions.
• 171.85% increase in website visits. Improved online presence led to a substantial rise in potential customers exploring their offerings online.
• 280.97% increase in conversions from profile views to driving requests. Optimized listings turned casual browsers into store visitors, confirming the effectiveness of Center AI in achieving New Balance’s strategic goals.

New Balance made sure every visitor had a reason to stick around and shop by zeroing in on how customers move and behave.

Decathlon maximizing in-store efficiency

Decathlon, a global leader in sports retail, used foot traffic data to understand how their stores performed and make improvements. The results?

• 179% increase in Google visibility. Enhanced online presence made it easier for customers to find Decathlon stores, driving more inbound traffic.
• Significant increase in requests for directions. Improved store listings led to more customers seeking directions, boosting in-store visits.
• Enhanced customer engagement. Optimized listings and better communication with customers increased interactions and satisfaction. 

Decathlon’s success shows how important it is to understand where people are headed and how to steer them toward buying.

PS Use the listings statistics to keep tabs on how your business is showing up on Google and make sure customers have the right information to find you in the same way Decathlon does.

Retail foot traffic trends in 2025

As we move into 2025, retail visitor flow continues to evolve, influenced by shifting consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and economic factors. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses aiming to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Let’s dive into the key developments shaping retail foot traffic in 2025 and how you can use these insights to gain an edge.

1. Blending online and offline experiences

Shoppers in 2025 expect seamless integration between their digital and physical experiences. Retailers respond by creating immersive, tech-enabled environments that connect their online platforms with in-store visits. For instance, “click-and-collect” options remain popular, drawing customers into stores to pick up online orders while encouraging additional purchases.

2. Localized shopping preferences

Local shopping is seeing a resurgence as consumers prioritize convenience and community engagement. Neighborhood stores, pop-ups, and markets benefit from this shift, attracting customers who want personalized experiences without traveling far.

3. Event-driven traffic

Hosting events, like product launches, workshops, or seasonal celebrations, continues to drive visitor flow. Shoppers are drawn to experiences that go beyond simply browsing shelves, making events a major traffic booster.

4. Eco-conscious choices

Sustainability is now more than a buzzword. Retailers that incorporate eco-friendly practices, like recycling programs, green packaging, and ethically sourced products, attract walk-ins from consumers who align with these values.

5. Dynamic peak times

Remote work and flexible schedules have changed peak shopping hours. Instead of the traditional lunch rush or weekend spree, traffic is now spread throughout the day and week. Retailers are adapting by rethinking staffing and promotional strategies to align with these new patterns.

How businesses can leverage foot traffic trends for competitive advantage

Now that you’ve learned about the most important trends, you can start investing your resources in them to make your business stand out. Let’s now take a look at how to do it!

1. Enhance the in-store experience

To keep customers coming back, make their in-store visits memorable. This could mean adding interactive product displays, hosting live demos, or using augmented reality (AR) to let shoppers visualize how products fit into their lives. For companies managing multiple locations, tools like listing protection ensure your information is safeguarded across platforms, minimizing the risk of inconsistencies that could deter potential visitors.

2. Optimize for local SEO

As more shoppers turn to local options, businesses should ensure they’re easy to find online. Want to rank higher in local searches? The SEO Ranking Tracker helps you see how you’re doing and figure out what tweaks to make.

Don’t underestimate the power of local SEO marketing! Simple things like claiming your Google Business Profile, managing reviews, and using the right local keywords can make a big difference.

3. Capitalize on hybrid shopping movements

Offer flexible shopping options like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) or curbside pickup. Promote these services heavily to encourage more walk-in information, especially during key sales periods.

4. Use sustainability as a selling point

Highlight your eco-friendly practices both online and in-store. Consider signage, social media campaigns, and green loyalty programs to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers.

5. Analyze and adapt to new traffic patterns

Use tools like heatmaps, sensors, and mobile data to monitor real-time changing traffic patterns. You can modify store layouts, staffing, and promotions to match when and where your customers show up.

Start using store traffic data to boost sales results

Foot traffic is your business’s heartbeat. Knowing how many people visit, when they reach your place, and what they do helps you make smarter decisions to boost sales, improve layouts, and create better customer experiences.

Brands like Lewiatan, New Balance, and Decathlon show how tracking demographic data and walk-through activity can lead to real growth and happier customers. Transforming these insights into action is easier than ever with Center AI tools. Let’s make EVERY step count!