This year, Boxing Day saw a decline in foot traffic as consumers changed their post-Christmas spending patterns. According to data from MRI Software, overall foot traffic decreased 7.6 per cent from the previous year, while high street foot traffic decreased 9.6 per cent.
By 8 p.m., compared to 26th December 2023, the number of shoppers in retail parks had decreased by 6.1 per cent, while the number in shopping malls had decreased by 5.1 per cent. The fall coincides with the decision made by several retailers, like M&S and Next, to remain closed on this year’s bank holiday.
On Boxing Day, John Lewis likewise closed its standalone locations, leaving only its stores in the Trafford and Stratford shopping centres open. The largest drop was in coastal communities, where foot traffic fell by 20 per cent. In the meantime, it fell 2.2 per cent in market towns and 7.6 per cent in central London.
MRi opines that the increasing popularity of internet shopping is changing how people spend their money. On Christmas Day, many shops began their Boxing Day specials online, giving customers the chance to purchase early and save money from the comfort of their own homes.