Retail analysts noted a high level of foot traffic on Boxing Day. Shoppers couldn’t wait to rush back to stores snatching up after-holiday discounts. It’s Jenni Matthews, our retail analyst, breaking the good news! This year’s sales were marked by the first foot traffic increase in a decade across all UK retail stores.
According to MRI Software’s data, footfall was up 4.4% on average at all retail destinations. Yet this increase looks good compared to the same day last year. This increase was fueled mainly by a large, evening wave of shoppers looking to cash in on markdowns. In what was an extremely difficult year of ongoing inflationary pressures and budgetary limitations for consumers, they showed incredible strength. Then they storm the high streets and shopping malls in the afternoon, ready to buy.
At 3 PM on December 26, visits to high streets were 1.5% lower than in 2024. Shopping center foot traffic declined 0.6%. Matthews pointed out that those later shopping times indicated a change in consumer behavior.
As the day progressed, shoppers started to materialize. This time they decided to stay just a bit longer before launching. Matthews stated.
MRI tracks footfall in over 660 retail venues the UK, so MRI offers never-before-seen insights into where, how, and why consumers are shopping. The evening rush similarly reached its peak between 5 PM and 11 PM. Throughout this period, visits increased dramatically with an astounding average increase of 9.6%. This was in sharp opposition to the average bump of just 3.1% measured during the hours of 6 AM and 5 PM.
“Consumers will likely be shopping the sales, making the most of the festive events and attractions within towns and cities, and stocking up on New Year’s Eve essentials, keeping the festive retail period firmly in motion,” Matthews added.
Although a bleak start to the day, Saturday after Boxing Day resulted in another increase in footfall. Retail overall had a boost, with foot traffic to all retail destinations up 1.6% from the same day last year (December 27). With most stores closed until at least December 28, this surely led to the spike in activity.
Both the hospitality and leisure sectors seemed to enjoy the boost from higher foot traffic throughout this bustling shopping season. Matthews was hopeful about how well the retail sector is doing as the year draws to a close.
“This is an early indicator that the retail sector may well end the year on a positive note given the challenging times faced at the beginning of the year,” Ms. Matthews concluded.
As retailers look ahead, MRI anticipates continued increases in footfall in the coming days as consumers embrace holiday shopping and new year celebrations.