Retail destinations across the United Kingdom experienced a big increase in activity on Boxing Day. Today’s footfall was up 4.4% on the day a year ago. That boom comes in addition to a robust trend of post-Christmas shopping. MRI Software has been tracking this uptick by counting the amount of foot traffic in more than 660 retail locations nationwide. According to retail analyst Jenni Matthews, this increase is indicative of consumers’ excitement for sales and holiday festivities.
Even with a minor drop in visits throughout the day, foot traffic made a dynamic recovery through the uptick of later hours. On Boxing Day, visits to high streets were down 1.5% on December 26th 2024. At the same time, retail center traffic decreased by 0.6%. As the day went on, shoppers more and more chose to come out in the afternoon and evening hours.
“The boost in activity was driven by a peak in visits across all UK retail destinations from 5 PM to 11 PM, averaging an impressive +9.6% compared to an average increase of +3.1% from 6 AM to 5 PM,” said Matthews. This last-minute Christmas shopper rush helped produce a decade-high rise in shopper traffic for the yearly sales event.
Foot traffic to shopping center type retail destinations was up by 1.6%. This increase was compared to the amount as of December 27 of last year. Matthews was particularly optimistic about the next few days, saying that MRI Software is “prepared for foot traffic to continue to sharply increase.” She stated, “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.”
In 2025, challenges will present themselves with increasing costs and other inflationary pressures. With more shoppers going out on Boxing Day, it could be a sign that the retail industry is closing out this year on a high note. Matthews remarked on this potential shift: “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.”
Most stores took the opportunity to remain closed through December 28. This decision certainly created a wave of early afternoon shoppers. Furthermore, hospitality and leisure venues almost certainly experienced boosted visitation as a result of the increased foot traffic.