UK Boxing Day sales saw a shift in shopper habits, with high street footfall down 2.4% while retail parks surged 6.9%. Central London declined 7.7% as consumers sought convenience and coastal day trips.
UK shoppers are forecast to spend £3.8bn on Boxing Day 2024, a 2% rise. High streets and online retailers benefit as consumers seek post-Christmas deals. Read the full analysis.
Discover how to turn unwanted Christmas presents into amazing deals on eBay. Our guide reveals the best categories, search tips, and timing strategies for savvy UK shoppers.
Paul Straffon, 47, is forced to sleep in a Wimbledon shopping centre doorway this Christmas. His story highlights London's homelessness crisis, with over 13,000 rough sleepers last year.
Iso Neville, 28, buys all Christmas presents pre-loved, saving thousands on Burberry and designer items. She shares her tips for sustainable, thoughtful gifting.
East London performer Jonny Woo launches a scathing critique of the 'small plates' dining trend, calling it fiddly, overpriced, and anti-social. Discover his full rant and his upcoming Un-Royal Variety show dates.
Christmas is days away! Our shopping expert with 13 years' experience reveals the perfect last-minute presents, from luxury Dyson stylers to cosy Jellycat toys. Shop now for festive joy.
An exclusive look at the 2025 spending habits of Guardian readers reveals a move towards travel, culture, and sustainable goods. Discover the data driving consumer change.
A new survey reveals millions of Brits are breaking Christmas dinner traditions with chips and baked beans, but Londoners cling to Yorkshire puddings. Discover the festive food revolution.
Discover Chafford Hundred, the Essex commuter town built on a Victorian landfill site. Now 35 years old, it's a thriving hub with Lakeside shopping and nature parks. Explore its remarkable transformation.
Permanent hires in London fell for the eighth consecutive month in November, driven by economic uncertainty. Explore the latest KPMG and REC data on salaries and temporary work trends.
From weight-loss syringe ornaments to Pringles cans, discover why Britain's Christmas trees are showcasing bizarre, commercialised baubles. Explore the data driving the festive shift.
TfL increases Elizabeth line Saturday services to 20 trains an hour between Whitechapel and Paddington from 20 December. Plan your festive shopping and theatre trips now.
Discover a festive London staycation in Marylebone Village. Our guide covers luxury hotels, award-winning dining, and unique shopping for the perfect pre-Christmas break.
East London social enterprise Round Retail is revolutionising second-hand fashion with curated pop-ups. Its latest City venture funds homelessness charity Providence Row, having already saved over 5,000kg of CO2. Discover the sustainable shopping movement
Discover the Monocle Christmas Market in Marylebone, London's most underrated festive fair featuring real reindeer and curated artisan brands on December 13-14, 2025.
UK rap icon Giggs halted Black Friday shopping on Oxford Street with an impromptu performance from a branded taxi, causing huge crowds and social media frenzy. Discover the details.
London's iconic Grade II-listed Sicilian Avenue reopens after a five-year restoration. Discover the first three new businesses moving in, from coffee to Japanese tea.
UK shoppers are switching to pork mince as beef prices surge 27%. Waitrose sales jump 16% as home cooks adapt recipes like bolognese. Discover the cost-saving food trends.
Discover a hidden London Christmas market that offers a magical, European-style festive experience. Find unique gifts, mulled wine, and authentic charm away from the crowds.
London's iconic Carnaby Street could be transformed by a major public realm revamp. Shaftesbury Capital's plans include new signage, lighting, and a return to its historic roots. Have your say in the consultation.
Lidl unveils 'Lidl Wrapped' festive wrapping paper, showcasing the top products bought in 10 UK cities. Free gift-wrapping stations open from 4th-17th December.
A seasoned shopping editor shares her final-hour Amazon Cyber Monday picks for practical essentials, from beauty to homeware, helping you save money before the sales end.
Aperol brings a Florentine-style 'Festive Spritz Window' to London's Mayfair, offering free cocktails to shoppers from 2-4 December. Find the pop-up in St Christopher's Place.
New research reveals the UK's best high streets for indie shops, with three London locations making the top 10. Discover where to find unique boutiques and support small businesses.
A new Aldi store opens on Old Kent Road, SE15 on December 11, offering festive shoppers the UK's cheapest groceries and special Christmas hours.
Seven Dials in Covent Garden will be completely pedestrianised on December 6 for 'Festive Saturday'. Enjoy special discounts, pop-ups, and a community carol service. Plan your visit now!
Exploring the delicate balance of secondhand pricing as charity shops face rising costs. Discover why some pre-loved items now rival retail prices and what it means for shoppers.
The new M&S in Clapham Common saw queues stretching down the high street. Discover why this shop launch became a community event and what it says about modern retail.
Discover 7 unique independent London shops for Christmas 2025. From handmade fragrances to sustainable fashion, find gifts with stories that support local makers.