Data shows that downtowns are beginning to return to normal levels of activity after years of decline following the Covid pandemic.

According to MRI software, downtown visits in May rose 3% from a year earlier and 2% from April. This marks the first annual gain since April 2025.

Downtown activity was highest later in the week, when hybrid workers are more likely to be in the office and venture out for a drink or a meal after work. 

It is a clear shift in direction after more than a year of declines. Three of the month’s four weeks posted positive week-over-week growth, which may be evidence of a slow, steady rebuilding of baseline activity.

Activity at malls is more dependent on big weekends and discount-driven sales events. Mall traffic was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis in May, but visits fell 2.2% from April and swung more sharply from week-to-week.

Many malls are experiencing short bursts of activity tied to promotions and holiday weekends, MRI says.