Retail experts noted a surge in footfall all over the UK on Boxing Day. This boom in shopper engagement is the most we’ve seen over the past ten years. Retail analyst Jenni Matthews, with retail analytics firm RetailNext, noted that this year’s foot traffic was up 4.4% over the same day last year. This increase was driven by a wave of after-Christmas shoppers wanting to snatch up markdowns. According to MRI Software, which tracks footfall data in over 660 retail locations nationwide, this uptick reflects a shift in consumer behavior, with many choosing to shop later in the day.
From early on Boxing Day, visits plummeted. High street traffic down 1.5% and shopping centre visits 0.6% less than 2024 at 3pm. After that trend continued for most of the day, that trend quickly turned the other way. Matthews further described how footfall to each UK retail location increased by 30% between the hours of 5 pm and 11 pm. This increase peaked out at an average of +9.6%, versus the +3.1% increase during the day from 6 am to 5 pm. With consumers increasingly willing to put off shopping trips, this evening rush pointed toward a new trend.
So many retailers made the choice to remain closed through December 28. This decision resulted in a dramatic increase in the amount of people shopping on Boxing Day. Matthews underscored the trend’s broader importance. He noted that hospitality and leisure venues probably benefited from the increased pedestrian activity as consumers sought more dining and entertainment options while shopping.
Looking forward, MRI forecasts further growth in foot traffic over the next several days. This increase will be fueled by consumers taking advantage of after Christmas sales and preparing for New Year’s celebrations. On Saturday, foot traffic jumped by 1.6% from the equivalent date a year ago. This surge further attests to the growing notion that the robust shopping momentum seen after Christmas is set to carry into the new year.
These hopeful signals of progress on inflation are welcome news, but consumers still face daunting economic realities in 2025, as prices continue to squeeze household budgets. Despite these difficulties, Matthews expressed optimism about the retail sector’s outlook: “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.”
As consumers continue to navigate their shopping habits through changing economic landscapes, retail experts remain watchful of emerging patterns that could shape future buying behaviors.
“Consumers will be likely 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.” – Jenni Matthews