Sheffield shopper numbers and spending figures hailed amid economic pressures
City centre chiefs have hailed ‘stable’ shopper and spending figures over the last three years despite a cost of living crisis and disruptive weather.
Sheffield BID published results which show what it says is a “a remarkably steady picture” with “natural year‑on‑year variations”.
In February, there were 285,119 customers spending money in the city centre, down from 304,057 the year before and 305,972 in 2024 - a decline of 20,853 people.
There were 1,132,247 transactions in February, down from 1,179,355 last year and 1,270,151 in 2024 - some 137,904 fewer transactions.
Sales were also down, from £16,655,824 in February, compared to £17,557,486 last year and £17,418,865 in 2024.
The average transaction value in February rose from £13.71 in 2024 to £14.72 this year and the average customer spend went up from £56.93 to £58.42.
The figures for January also show small falls, apart from sales, which were £15,753,79 in 2024, rising to £16,349,19 last year, before declining to £15,892,61 this year.
Sheffield BID (Business Improvement District) was set up 10 years ago to create a ‘cleaner, safer, more welcoming environment’.
It levies a compulsory charge on 542 companies in the city centre, with a rateable value of £40,000 or more, of 1.75 per cent of the 2023 rateable value of their properties.
The sum is on top of business rates paid to Sheffield City Council.
It has its own graffiti team and runs events including Sheffield Bricktropolis, the Christmas Trail, Dine Sheffield, Lunar Chinese New Year and The Fringe at Tramlines.
A spokesperson said: “The three‑year spend data shows a remarkably steady picture for Sheffield city centre.
“Total sales in January and February have remained broadly consistent from 2024 to 2026, with only modest fluctuations linked to wider economic factors.
“While customer numbers and transactions dipped nationally after 2024, Sheffield’s figures stabilised in 2025 and 2026, and average spend per customer has remained strong.
“This suggests that visitors are making more purposeful trips and maintaining their spending when they come into the city centre.”