Retail analysts report a significant surge in footfall across UK retail destinations on Boxing Day, as late-night shoppers flocked to stores and shopping centres. According to retail analyst Jenni Matthews, there’s a great new trend. It’s created a record-setting jump in foot traffic to their stores for their annual sales event! MRI Software monitors foot traffic at over 660 retail locations nationwide. Their most recent data shows a promising trend that shoppers are flocking back to the high streets, although they are going out much later in the day.
The day after Christmas, 26 th December, at 3pm, footfall on high streets was already down 1.5% on last year. At the same time, trips to regional malls declined 0.6%. Footfall increased by 4.4% from last year on the same day, across all UK retail destinations. The largest impacts occurred between 5 PM and 11 PM.
For Chicago, Matthews saw a very impressive evening peak, averaging a 9.6% increase. This is a shocking increase from the previous daytime average of just 3.1%. She explained, “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.”
From throughout the day, we’d seen less traffic to stores in a business-as-usual environment. A last-minute rush suggests once Christmas is over, consumers will be ready to dive right into shopping. Most retailers remained shuttered through December 28. This means that foot traffic will continue to increase with every new business that safely opens its doors and greets guests to return.
Expectations are high for growth in foot traffic. MRI hopes the strong momentum from post-Christmas shopping will continue into the new year. Matthews remarked, “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.”
That was the overwhelming story for consumers in 2025. Amidst surging inflation and other compounding crises, household finances were hit hard. The resulting increase in foot traffic more than doubles retail sales. More importantly, it ensures that hospitality and leisure venues have the opportunity to thrive during this festive season.