Boxing Day Footfall Down on UK High Streets Despite Discounts

Boxing Day Footfall Down on UK High Streets Despite Discounts

"Boxing Day sales aren't drawing crowds like they used to. Here's why!"

Decline in Footfall
Fewer consumers made the journey to high streets and shopping centres in search of Boxing Day discounts this year. Footfall across UK retailers was down 8.9% as of 3pm on Thursday, compared with Boxing Day in 2023.

Impact of Cost of Living Crisis
The decline in Boxing Day activity may reflect a shift in consumer behaviour, influenced by the ongoing cost of living crisis.

High Streets Hit Hardest
UK high streets suffered the biggest decline – about 10.9% – followed by shopping centres and retail parks, at which footfall fell 7.8% and 5.4%, respectively.

Regional Differences
Wales took the biggest hit, with a 16.9% drop in shoppers. Footfall in Greater London fell 6.1% compared with last year.

Pre-Gifting Rush
As footfall levels jumped 18% on Christmas Eve this year, many shoppers may have also front-loaded their spending in a pre-gifting rush.

Shift to Online Shopping
The shift to online shopping is giving people the opportunity to grab early bargains from the comfort of their own home.

Retailers' Response
Many big retailers such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer choose to keep most stores closed to give their staff a break.

Consumer Pulse Report
MRI Software’s consumer pulse report showed that 53% of shoppers planned to complete at least half of their Christmas shopping online.

Overall Spending
Overall, shoppers are expected to spend £3.7bn this Boxing Day.

Retailers' Optimism
Despite the decline in footfall, some retailers remain optimistic about the festive shopping season.

"Will Boxing Day ever be the same again? Only time will tell."

Hashtags
#BoxingDay #RetailIndustry #UKShopping #CostOfLivingCrisis #OnlineShopping #HighStreet

Link
[here](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/26/boxing-day-footfall-down-on-uk-high-streets-despite-discounts).