Boxing Day sales experienced a muted start this year as shoppers continued to favor online shopping over physical stores. Data from MRI Software indicated that by 3 p.m., visits to UK high streets were down 1.5% compared to 2024, while shopping centers saw a 0.6% decrease.
Retail parks experienced a 6.7% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, according to MRI's footfall data. However, this rise was not substantial enough to create an overall significant increase in visitor numbers. Barclays anticipates shoppers will spend £3.6 billion in the sales, a decrease from the £4.6 billion forecast for the sales in 2024, with fewer individuals planning to participate in bargain hunting compared to last year. The amount spent online is also projected to decline.
While people are still engaging in shopping activities, the figures suggest that Boxing Day sales are not as significant as they once were. The Barclays consumer spend report indicates that those planning to shop have increased their budgets by 17% compared to last year. However, overall spending on Boxing Day sales is forecast to be lower this year than last year.
Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, noted that shoppers have been cost-conscious throughout the year, and this behavior is likely to continue. This shift in consumer behavior reflects a broader trend of evolving shopping habits, influenced by factors such as the convenience of online shopping and changing economic conditions.
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