Surge in Evening Shoppers Boosts Boxing Day Sales

A significant influx of late-night shoppers seeking Boxing Day discounts has resulted in the highest foot traffic recorded in ten years during the annual sales, according to recent statistics.

Footfall increased by 4.4% across all retail locations in the UK, including high streets and shopping centers, when compared to the same day in the previous year, as reported by MRI Software.

Moreover, the strong shopping activity persisted into Saturday, with MRI predicting that the vigorous post-Christmas retail momentum will carry on into the upcoming new year.

However, it’s important to note that a rise in foot traffic does not necessarily equate to increased spending. Barclays has projected that consumers might spend £1 billion less on Boxing Day deals this year.

By 3 PM on December 26, initial data from MRI indicated a rather subdued response to the sales, showing that high street visits dipped by 1.5% compared to the previous year, while shopping center attendance fell by 0.6%.

MRI’s analysis encompasses over 660 retail sites throughout the UK. Retail analyst Jenni Matthews remarked that as the day progressed, it became evident that shoppers were simply choosing to venture out later.

“The surge in activity was largely due to a spike in visits to retail destinations across the UK between 5 PM and 11 PM, averaging an increase of +9.6% compared to an average rise of +3.1% from 6 AM to 5 PM,” she explained.

As many stores remain closed until December 28, Matthews suggested that hospitality and leisure establishments likely benefited from the increased foot traffic.

“This early activity indicates that the retail sector may conclude the year on a positive note, despite the challenges faced earlier in the year,” she noted.

According to MRI data, shoppers were also noticeably active on Saturday, with retail footfall rising by 1.6% compared to December 27 last year.

Matthews predicts that as family gatherings wrap up and the new year approaches, foot traffic is expected to continue to grow in the days ahead.

“Consumers are likely to take advantage of the sales, enjoying festive events and attractions in urban areas, while also stocking up on essentials for New Year’s Eve, keeping the holiday shopping spirit alive,” she stated.

Analysts have observed that 2025 has posed significant challenges for consumers as rising costs and various factors have tightened household budgets.

Barclays’ consumer spending report suggested a decline in participation in sales, estimating that shoppers will spend £3.6 billion, a reduction from £4.6 billion last year.

Additionally, recent spending data from the Office for National Statistics indicated that many consumers resisted the temptation of November’s Black Friday sales, resulting in only a 0.1% increase in sales volumes.