This year’s Boxing Day saw a noticeable decline in footfall as several major retailers kept their doors shut, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior and retail strategies.
- Overall, footfall decreased by 7.6% compared to the previous year, with significant drops observed in high street and retail park visits.
- The closure of prominent stores such as M&S, John Lewis, and Next contributed to this decline, as more shoppers turned to online platforms.
- Footfall in coastal towns experienced the steepest decline at 20%, underscoring localized impacts of the retail closures.
- The growing trend of online shopping, initiated by early online Boxing Day sales, highlights evolving consumer preferences.
Boxing Day this year presented a shift in the typical shopping landscape, as footfall across various retail sectors experienced a downturn. According to data from MRI Software, there was an overall 7.6% decline in footfall compared to last year. The high street saw a 9.6% decrease, while retail park footfall slipped by 6.1%, and shopping centers by 5.1% by 8 PM on December 26, 2023.
This drop in physical store visits can be attributed to significant retailer decisions to remain closed on Boxing Day. Retailers like M&S, Next, and standalone John Lewis stores opted not to open during the bank holiday, aiming to reshape their operational strategies amidst the growing influence of online shopping.
Coastal towns bore the brunt of this shift, with a footfall decline of 20%. Regional variations were also evident, as central London saw a 7.6% decrease and market towns a relatively modest dip of 2.2%. This suggests that while urban areas are adapting to new retail norms, more traditional shopping regions are experiencing pronounced impacts.
Jenni Matthews, an analyst at MRI Software, emphasized the impact of online shopping, noting that many retailers initiated their Boxing Day sales online as early as Christmas Day. This strategy provided consumers with the chance to secure bargains without leaving home, further driving the trend toward digital shopping experiences.
The MRI Software consumer pulse report highlights that 53% of shoppers planned to complete at least half of their Christmas shopping online. This ongoing shift toward digital platforms is likely to continue affecting footfall patterns during the holiday period and beyond.
This year’s Boxing Day highlighted a shift in consumer spending habits as online shopping becomes increasingly prevalent.
