Analysts say shopping will become stronger after Christmas as bargain hunters emerge

Post-Christmas shopping is expected to pick up on Friday after data showed fewer consumers are flocking to the high street to snap up Boxing Day bargains.

Updated figures from retail analyst MRI Software showed a 4.9% fall in Boxing Day footfall across all UK retail destinations compared to last year.

This represents a slight improvement on the 7.6% decline in footfall recorded by 8pm, suggesting an increase in the number of late shoppers.

The percentage change is calculated by taking into account the number of people entering stores on high streets, shopping centers and retail parks over a given period.

Data collected throughout the day on Thursday showed fewer people went shopping and instead preferred to browse deals online.

It signaled a shift away from the post-pandemic shopping boom and also reflected the decision of major retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Next and Aldi to remain closed on Boxing Day.

Still, MRI Software said it expects a post-Christmas increase in visitor numbers starting Friday.

Jenni Matthews, the company’s marketing and insights director, said she expects the “year-over-year increase in footfall to be stronger from today (December 27) as shoppers emerge from their post-Christmas slumber and restock their groceries and “want to see what Boxing Day bargains are available”.

Meanwhile, data showed that Christmas Eve footfall rose 18% compared to the same day last year, suggesting shoppers were prioritizing their spending for the pre-Christmas rush.

“Furthermore, the increasing presence of online shopping continues to change spending habits,” Ms Matthews added, with many retailers introducing post-Christmas sales “to give shoppers the opportunity to snap up early bargains from the comfort of their own home.”