News Shopping Property: Liverpool ONE Experiences Record Footfall and Sales Boost from Eurovision

Grosvenor has disclosed the remarkable impact of Eurovision on Liverpool ONE, showcasing record-breaking footfall and sales outcomes after Liverpool hosted the event on behalf of Ukraine this year.

During the week of May 7 to May 13, encompassing Eurovision's semi-finals and final, Liverpool ONE witnessed footfall surpassing expectations, surging by 31.5% compared to the same week in 2022. This contrasted with a 5.7% increase in footfall for the entire UK during the same period. Over the entire Eurovision period from May 5 to May 14, footfall increased by 17.3% compared to the previous year, with Liverpool ONE attracting 680,000 visits.

The influx of visitors had a significant impact on sales, with CACI, the consumer and location intelligence specialist, estimating that Eurovision led to an additional £19.9 million in consumer spending in Liverpool ONE. Total sales during the semi-finals and final week increased by 23% compared to the previous year. Restaurants, in particular, excelled with a sales increase of 78% over the entire Eurovision period, peaking on the final Saturday with an 87% uplift compared to 2022.

These outstanding footfall and sales results during the Eurovision period marked Liverpool ONE's most successful to date in 2023, breaking post-COVID-19 record figures outside of the holiday season. The surge in visitors was driven by a substantial increase in tourists and city explorers, as Liverpool wholeheartedly embraced Eurovision.

Analysis by CACI revealed that Liverpool attracted visitors from five times more countries than usual, with the highest number coming from Switzerland, the USA, Uzbekistan, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Domestic tourists also made a significant impact, with the average drive time to Liverpool increasing by 27% to 90 minutes, surpassing the 39-minute average for UK cities.

CACI's data also indicated that 64% of individuals who visited the M&S Bank Arena, the venue for Eurovision, also explored Liverpool ONE. This marked a substantial increase compared to the 35% of Arena visitors who visited Liverpool ONE during the same period the previous year.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, commented, "Liverpool ONE and the city were united by music, leading to a significant boost in footfall and sales and, just as importantly, a fantastic atmosphere that everyone enjoyed."

Liverpool ONE's support for Eurovision included hosting the official Eurovision pop-up merchandise store and featuring Eurovision-themed window displays and promotions in several of its retailers and restaurants. These efforts were complemented by a program of music, art, and community-led events, with Liverpool ONE hosting over 100 performances and 1,000 performers on a specially created stage in Chavasse Park.

Liverpool ONE encompasses over 170 stores, bars, and restaurants, along with a 14-screen cinema, indoor golf courses, and a five-acre park. It spans across five areas: Paradise Street, South John Street, Peter's Lane, Hanover Street, and the Leisure Terrace facing Chavasse Park.