An evening surge in shoppers drove a 4.4 percent increase in foot traffic across UK retail destinations on Boxing Day compared to the same day last year, according to data from MRI Software. The increase, encompassing high streets and shopping centers, represents a decade-high for the annual sales event.

MRI Software, which tracks footfall in over 660 retail locations across the UK, initially reported a muted reaction to the sales by 3 p.m., with high street visits down 1.5 percent and shopping center visits down 0.6 percent compared to 2023. However, the trend reversed later in the day.

Jenni Matthews, retail analyst at MRI, noted the shift in shopper behavior. "As the day progressed, it became clear that shoppers were deciding to head out but just a bit later in the day," she said, attributing the overall boost to a peak in visits across all UK retail destinations later in the afternoon and evening.

While foot traffic saw a significant rise, Barclays has forecast a potential decrease in overall consumer spending for Boxing Day deals, estimating a £1 billion reduction compared to previous years. This suggests that while more people visited retail locations, individual spending habits may have been more conservative.

The increase in footfall also extended into Saturday, and MRI anticipates that the strong post-Christmas shopping momentum will continue into the new year. This sustained activity could provide a welcome boost to retailers after a challenging year marked by economic uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences.

Analysts will be closely monitoring sales figures in the coming weeks to determine the true impact of the late shopper rush on retailers' bottom lines. The data will provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and the effectiveness of Boxing Day sales strategies in the current economic climate.