Strong visitor number growth at Fox Valley following successful Christmas trading period

Strong visitor number growth at Fox Valley following successful Christmas trading period

7 January 2026

Fox Valley shopping centre in north Sheffield has reported strong growth in visitor numbers following a successful Christmas shopping period, with footfall continuing to rise year on year.

Visitor numbers at the centre reached 248,872 in December 2025, representing a 7.3% like-for-like increase on December 2024. November was also a strong month with a 5.4% like-for-like increase

Across the full year, total footfall topped the 3 million mark – rising to 3,045,332 and showing a 10.8% increase in 2025 compared to 2024. Visitor numbers are calculated using car park arrival data. 

The strong performance followed a particularly busy November and December Christmas trading period, with Fox Valley proving a popular destination for festive shopping in north Sheffield. 

The season was launched with a record-breaking Christmas lights switch-on event in November, which attracted large crowds and helped kick-start Christmas trading.

Claire Biltcliffe, Centre Manager at Fox Valley, said: “We’re delighted to see such positive footfall figures following a very strong trading period. November and December were especially busy, and our Christmas lights switch-on event was our biggest yet, creating a fantastic atmosphere and setting the tone for the festive season. It’s really encouraging to see so many people choosing to visit Fox Valley.”

Over the past 12 months, a number of key changes have taken place at the centre to strengthen its offer. Most notably, the introduction of furniture and homewares store Shackletons, which opened in a prominent unit, bringing a new and distinctive retail experience to Fox Valley, attracting new visitors and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks a significant milestone for Fox Valley as it celebrates its 10th birthday. 

To mark the occasion, the centre team is working on a programme of special events throughout the year, celebrating a decade of Fox Valley and thanking the local community for its continued support.

Claire Biltcliffe added: “As we enter our tenth year, it’s a really exciting time for Fox Valley. We have a fantastic programme of anniversary events planned for 2026, alongside further investment in the centre, including the upcoming M&S Food Hall." 

To keep up to date with news and events at Fox Valley visit www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk