Late shopper rush drives Boxing Day sale traffic
Figures show an increase in shoppers keen for Boxing Day sales during the evening hours has triggered the biggest rise in annual sales in a decade.
There was a 4.4% increase across all UK retail outlets, including high streets and shopping centres, compared to the same day last year, according to data from MRI Software.
Visitor numbers remained strong on Saturday and MRI predicted the strong post-Christmas shopping momentum would continue into the new year.
But rising footfall doesn’t necessarily mean rising spending, with Barclays predicting consumers will spend £1bn less on Boxing Day deals this year.
Appeared on December 26 at 15.00 There was a muted reaction to the salesAccording to preliminary MRI data, street visits decreased by 1.5% compared to 2024, and shopping center visits decreased by 0.6%.
MRI counts the number of shoppers at more than 660 retail locations across the UK, and retail analyst Jenni Matthews said it became clear as the day progressed that shoppers decided to head out a little later in the day.
“The increase in activity was driven by a peak in visits to all retail outlets in the UK, which averaged +9.6% between 5pm and 11pm, compared to an average increase of +3.1% between 6am and 5pm,” it said.
With many shops not reopening until December 28, Ms Matthews said hospitality and entertainment venues could benefit from the increase in foot traffic.
“This is an early indication that the retail sector could end the year on a positive note, given the challenging times faced at the beginning of the year,” he said.
Shoppers were also busy on Saturday, according to MRI data; The number of visitors at retail outlets increased by 1.6% compared to December 27 of last year.
Ms Matthews said MRI predicted visitor numbers would continue to increase in the coming days as family gatherings ended and the new year approached.
“Consumers [will be] “Keeping the festive retail period firmly on the go, possibly shopping on sales, making the most of festive events and attractions in towns and cities, and stocking up on New Year’s Eve essentials,” he said.
Analysts say 2025 is a tough year for people as rising prices and other factors tighten household finances.
Barclays’ consumer spending report predicted shoppers will spend £3.6bn, up from £4.6bn last year, suggesting fewer people plan to take advantage of the sales.
Latest retail spending data from the Office for National Statistics shows that many shoppers Resisted the temptation of November’s Black Friday sales, There was only a 0.1% increase in sales volumes.
