With the end of Christmas, retailers braced for fluctuating shopper trends.
- Boxing Day sales showed a notable decrease in in-store footfall across the UK.
- Shopping patterns are shifting due to economic strains and online alternatives.
- High streets and shopping centers faced significant declines in visitor numbers.
- Predictions suggest a shopping resurgence as people restock groceries and hunt for deals.
With Christmas festivities concluded, retailers are observing a marked change in shopping behavior. Footfall, which typically sees a boost on Boxing Day, showed a downturn this year. New data indicates that shoppers were more inclined to stay home, partly due to many supermarket giants like Waitrose, M&S, and Aldi choosing to remain closed on Boxing Day.
According to figures, there was a 7.6% decrease in shoppers across UK retail destinations compared to last year’s 3.7% increase. This drop was most pronounced in high streets, which saw a 9.6% drop, followed by a 6.1% decline in retail parks and a 5.1% reduction in shopping centers.
This change in post-holiday shopping activity highlights a shift in consumer habits. Economic strains like the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have prompted shoppers to spend strategically. Many focused their spending on pre-Christmas sales, causing a ripple effect on Boxing Day numbers.
Another factor contributing to the shift is the rise of online shopping. With numerous stores launching their Boxing Day deals on the internet, consumers opted for the convenience of shopping from home, further impacting in-store visits.
Despite this initial dip, experts predict a rebound in footfall as people begin to replenish their groceries and take advantage of post-Christmas offers. The data suggests that this upward trend will become more apparent from the 27th of December onwards.
Retailers anticipate a positive shift in shopping activity as traditional and online habits continue to evolve.
