Boxing Day sales experienced a muted start this year as shoppers continued to favor online shopping over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Footfall on UK high streets was down 1.5% by 3 p.m. compared to 2024, while shopping centers saw a 0.6% decrease, according to data from MRI Software.
MRI's data indicated that retail parks experienced a 6.7% increase in visitors compared to the previous year; however, this rise was not substantial enough to create a significant overall 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 2024 sales, with fewer individuals planning to seek out bargains this year. The amount spent online is also predicted to fall.
Although consumers are still engaging in shopping activities, the figures suggest that Boxing Day sales are not the significant event they once were. The Barclays consumer spend report indicates that those planning to shop have increased their budgets by 17% compared to last year, but overall spending on Boxing Day sales is forecast to be lower this year than last year.
Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, stated that shoppers have been cost-conscious throughout the year, and this behavior is likely to continue. This shift reflects a broader trend of consumers becoming more discerning in their spending habits, potentially influenced by economic uncertainties and the increasing convenience of online shopping. The rise of sophisticated AI-powered recommendation systems and personalized marketing strategies employed by online retailers further contributes to this trend, making online shopping experiences more tailored and appealing to individual consumers.
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