Late Shopper Rush Drives Boxing Day Sales Traffic
A recent surge in late shoppers seeking Boxing Day bargains has resulted in a decade-high increase in footfall for the annual sales event. Updated data reveals that foot traffic across all UK retail destinations, encompassing high streets and shopping centres, rose by 4.4% compared to the previous year, according to MRI Software.
Boxing Day Sales Traffic: Key Insights
– Strong Footfall: Saturday also witnessed robust foot traffic, and MRI expects the high post-Christmas momentum to persist into the new year.
– Spending Concerns: Despite increased footfall, higher visitor numbers do not guarantee greater expenditure. Barclays projects that consumers will spend £1 billion less on this year’s Boxing Day deals.
– Early Trends: By 3 PM on December 26, preliminary MRI data indicated a subdued response to the sales, with footfall on the high street down 1.5% and shopping centre visits decreased by 0.6% compared to the prior year.
– Peak Shopping Hours: Retail analyst Jenni Matthews noted that as the day progressed, shoppers opted to venture out later, with a notable spike in visits between 5 PM and 11 PM—averaging an impressive +9.6% compared to a modest +3.1% from 6 AM to 5 PM.
– Impact on Hospitality: With many stores closed until December 28, it is likely that hospitality and leisure venues benefited greatly from the uptick in foot traffic.
Matthews remarked, This early indicator suggests that the retail sector may conclude the year positively, especially given the challenges faced earlier in the year.
Continued Trend in Boxing Day Sales
Shoppers remained active on Saturday, as MRI data confirmed that footfall across retail destinations increased by 1.6% compared to December 27 of the previous year. With family gatherings concluding and the new year approaching, MRI anticipates footfall will continue to rise.
Matthews explained, Consumers are likely to take advantage of sales, enjoy festive events and attractions in urban areas, and stock up on New Year’s Eve essentials, ensuring the festive retail period remains lively.
Market Challenges Ahead
Analysts highlight that 2025 has posed difficulties for consumers, with rising prices and various factors placing pressure on household finances. According to Barclays’ consumer spend report, shopping intentions this year appear to be waning, predicting total expenditures to drop to £3.6 billion, from £4.6 billion last year.
Furthermore, recent retail spending data from the Office for National Statistics indicated that many opted out of November’s Black Friday sales, resulting in only a 0.1% increase in sales volumes.
In conclusion, while the Boxing Day sales traffic has seen impressive footfall growth, the accompanying concerns about consumer spending suggest a cautious approach as the retail sector navigates the challenges of the current economic climate.