An evening surge in shoppers drove a 4.4% increase in foot traffic across UK retail destinations on Boxing Day compared to the previous 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% and shopping center visits down 0.6%. 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. "The boost in activity was driven by a peak in visits across all UK retail destinations."

While footfall saw a significant rise, analysts suggest this may not translate directly into increased spending. Barclays has forecast a £1 billion decrease in consumer spending on Boxing Day deals this year. The discrepancy highlights a potential shift in consumer behavior, with shoppers potentially prioritizing browsing or seeking specific discounted items rather than engaging in widespread purchasing.

The strong footfall continued into Saturday, and MRI anticipates that the post-Christmas shopping momentum will extend into the new year. This sustained interest suggests that retailers may continue to see elevated traffic, even if individual transaction values remain conservative. The industry will be closely watching sales figures in the coming weeks to determine the overall impact of the late shopper rush on Boxing Day sales.