Fewer consumers made the trip to high streets and shopping centers in search of Boxing Day discounts this year.
Footfall across UK retailers was down 8.9% as of 3pm on Thursday, compared to Boxing Day in 2023, according to data from MRI Software.
“The decline in Boxing Day activity may reflect a shift in consumer behaviour, influenced by the ongoing cost of living crisis,” said Jenny Matthews, marketing and insights director for retail technology experts.
UK high streets suffered the biggest decline – around 10.9% – followed by shopping centers and retail parks, where visitor numbers fell by 7.8% and 5.4% respectively.
Wales took the biggest hit, with the number of shoppers down by 16.9%. Visitor numbers in Greater London fell by 6.1% compared to last year.
With footfall levels up 18% on Christmas Eve this year, many shoppers may also have front-loaded their spending in the pre-gift rush, Matthews said.
There has been a gradual decline in high street spending on December 26 over recent years, especially as many large retailers such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer have chosen to keep most stores closed to give their staff a break.
The shift to online shopping gives people the opportunity to grab early deals from the comfort of their homes. MRI’s Consumer Pulse report showed that 53% of shoppers planned to complete at least half of their Christmas shopping online – a trend that may continue between Christmas and New Year.
Overall, shoppers are expected to spend £3.7 billion on this global day.
“The key thing about footfall numbers is that they don’t tell the whole story,” said Ken Tan, a senior retail consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “A lot of stores are now closed on Boxing Day. It used to be just John Lewis, but now Marks & Spencer and most major supermarkets are closed.
Tan added that many people had traveled abroad or were on holiday this Christmas, which would affect the group of people on the main streets.
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There was also influence from more complex families who might hold several ceremonies and meals in different locations. Transport difficulties also hampered trade with the traditional start of the sales season in January.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if the turnout is disappointing,” Tan said. “However, I think many retailers have had a good Christmas – despite all the wider economic challenges, disposable income is almost 10% better than last year due to higher wages, lower inflation and lower national income. [national insurance]. So this may be a last resort for shoppers and retailers. “The challenge will come in 2025.”
But Katie Whale, head of UK shopping malls at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, owner of Westfield malls in London, said shoppers were still making their way into its physical stores, including one of the only John Lewis stores open in London. Boxing day.
“With nearly 10 million shoppers through the doors of Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City throughout the festive shopping season so far, Boxing Day will take us well beyond 10 million, with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to shop the sales and enjoy a day out,” said Whale. “Eat in or out.” Skiing or watching a movie.