Retail destinations up and down the UK were enjoying an impressive increase in footfall on Boxing Day. This year, the figures were up 4.4% over last year. MRI, a private company that monitors foot traffic at over 660 retail hotspots, has registered a significant increase. This rise is a massive shot in the arm for consumer activity attributed to an after-Christmas rush for deals on goods. Even with most of the stores shuttered until December 28, the late-night opening invited jubilant deal-seekers to flood the first-ever sales.
By 3 PM on December 26, it reported that visits to our high streets were down 1.5% relative to 2024. At the same time, visits to shopping centres decreased by 0.6%. Overall footfall at retail destinations is trending in a promising upward direction. It was up 1.6% from the same week last year, as of December 27. During that time block between 5 PM and 11 PM, we observed a remarkable average jump of 9.6%! By comparison, the other busiest time of day—cited as the most congested time—6 AM to 5 PM—saw just a 3.1% increase.
Jenni Matthews, a retail strategist at Kearney, said the interpretation of these numbers is important.
“The boost in activity was driven by a peak in visits across all UK retail destinations from 5 PM – 11 PM averaging +9.6% versus an average increase of +3.1% from 6 AM – 5 PM,” – Jenni Matthews
“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,” she added.
2025 was another tumultuous year for retailers as they continued to contend with high inflation and a shaky economy. The Boxing Day sales presented retailers with the first flicker of optimism. Matthews added that this surge in shopper activity would represent a 10-year high for post-Christmas shopping.
“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,” – Jenni Matthews
The surge in shoppers benefited retail and provided a boost to local hospitality and leisure venues, which are likely to see increased patronage as holiday festivities continue. MRI forecasts show pedestrian traffic continuing to rise during the days ahead. This increase is fueled by the positive sales momentum established from post Boxing Day shopping.