Retailers across the UK have welcomed a "really positive start" to the Boxing Day sales, with fresh data indicating a significant early bounce in visitor numbers at retail parks compared to last year.
Footfall Figures Paint a Promising Picture
According to retail analysts MRI Software, which monitors over 660 UK destinations, footfall in retail parks had risen by 6.9 per cent year-on-year by 1pm on Friday 26 December. This early surge offered encouragement to a sector that has faced a challenging year.
In contrast, high streets and shopping centres had not seen a similar uplift by early afternoon, with footfall down 2.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively. MRI Software's retail analyst, Jenni Matthews, told the Press Association the strong retail park performance marked an encouraging shift. "It's a really positive start to Boxing Day, which we've not seen for a number of years," she said.
The Evolution of Boxing Day: From Bargain Hunt to Day Out
The data suggests a continuing change in consumer behaviour, with Boxing Day increasingly viewed as a "full-day occasion" blending shopping, dining, and leisure. A spokesperson for the Westfield centres in London confirmed this trend, noting visitors were enjoying longer stays.
Katie Wyle, Managing Director for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, reported solid trading across beauty, home, and luxury sectors. "The results highlight that while shopping remains central to Boxing Day, people increasingly see it as a full-day occasion," she explained.
Regional variations were notable. Coastal towns enjoyed a 10 per cent increase in footfall, while central London locations saw a drop of almost eight per cent—potentially indicating more people travelled for the festive break.
Shopper Sentiment and Lasting Pandemic Effects
On the ground, shoppers reflected a mix of caution and preparation. Jaimini, 45 from Harrow, noted spending less this year, being "more aware of what you're buying." Conversely, Donnel, 25 from south-west London, had budgeted carefully in advance.
Jenni Matthews highlighted a lasting impact from the Covid-19 pandemic on retail operations. "Pre-Covid, we rarely saw stores close on Boxing Day... I think since Covid there is more of a focus on thanking retail staff," she said, pointing to greater emphasis on family time and staff welfare.
This positive retail news follows broader Visa data showing UK holiday spending increased by 3.6 per cent year-on-year for the period from 1 November to 23 December, though this figure was not adjusted for inflation.
