Boxing Day sales experienced a muted start this year as shoppers continued to favor online shopping over physical stores. Foot traffic on UK high streets decreased by 1.5% compared to 2024, while shopping centers saw a 0.6% drop, according to data from MRI Software.
Retail parks experienced a 6.7% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, but this rise was not substantial enough to significantly increase overall 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 hunt for bargains this year. The amount spent online is also predicted to decline.
The figures suggest that Boxing Day sales are losing their significance as a major shopping event. While people are still shopping, the Barclays consumer spend report indicates that those who plan 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, stated 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 increased online shopping and a more cautious approach to spending, influenced by economic factors and changing consumer preferences.
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